Sample Rubrics For Grading Written Work printable pdf download

Sample Rubrics for grading written work

Sample Rubric 1 (from the Auburn University Department of English)

The “A” Essay

The “A” essay demonstrates the writer's ability to address rhetorical situations in innovative, creative, and

perceptive ways. The writing is more than above average; it is exceptional. The purpose is distinguished

by some depth or breadth of insight; all support offered is interesting, relevant, and boldly thought-

provoking. The organization is not only coherent but marked by appropriateness to the specific rhetorical

situation, and the transitions show sophistication and originality. The writing exhibits finesse on the

writer's part in matters of style, diction, and usage. There are no grammatical errors.

The “B” Essay

The “B” essay demonstrates the writer's ability to address the rhetorical situation beyond mere

competency. The writing goes beyond the basics in the following ways: the point is original and/or more

exciting for the reader; the organization is clear and appropriate, the transitions are sophisticated and/or

original, and the support offered is more than adequately substantive and/or relevant. The style and tone

reflect more attention to rhetorical concerns and the readers' needs; the writer has used a more

sophisticated and varied sentence structure throughout. The work is relatively free of distracting

grammatical errors.

The “C” Essay

The “C” essay demonstrates the writer's ability to address the rhetorical situation competently. There is

adequate support of a recognizable point; the paper meets the minimum page requirement of the

assignment. The organization is logical but may at times be formulaic or not appropriate for the audience.

Transitions may be formulaic in nature. The tone and style are appropriate though not exceptionally

engaging to the audience. The papers are readable; the reader does not encounter awkward sentence

structures or wording. There are few errors in usage and mechanics. A grade of "C" means that your

writing is "good" in the sense that you are able to write at the level of competency expected of you by the

University..

The “D” Essay

The “D” essay indicates the writer's ability to address rhetorical situations somewhatcompetently, but the

writing contains weaknesses and/or errors that mark it as less than what is expected in one or more of the

following ways: The purpose is confused or too general; the support offered is vague, unconvincing,

inaccurate, irrelevant or too narrow in focus; the organization is confusing or unsuccessful; the style,

voice or tone is inconsistent or inappropriate; the sentence structure is difficult to read or inappropriate.

Numerous mechanical and grammatical errors hinder the readers’ ability to understand the text.

The “F” Paper

The “F” essay fails to address the assignment or contains weaknesses in one or more of the following

ways: there is little or no awareness of the rhetorical situation or purpose; there is no support; the essay is

unorganized and logically flawed. There is no sense of tone or voice. The sentence structure is very

difficult to read or inappropriate. There are substantial errors in grammar and usage.

Sample Rubric 2 (from the Auburn University Department of English)

The “A” Essay

The superior “A” paper demonstrates the writer’s ability to address the rhetorical situation (the

assignment) in innovative, creative, and perceptive ways. The thesis is argumentative, insightful, and

Sample Rubrics For Grading Written Work