Rubric for grading essays

(“Grades” in each of the four categories are averaged together for the overall grade. Extreme deficiency may be marked with a D in any category.)

Thesis Clear, well-stated.

Defensible (not “demonstrably wrong”)

Interesting, not obvious. Not a “catch-all” thesis.

Original. (Not in the sense of being something no one ever thought before, but of being something other than a simple repetition of things said in class.)

4 of 4 points=A, 2 or 3 =B, 1 or 0 =C

Evidence A The evidence that is presented supports the thesis clearly and consistently, and the evidence is presented in such a way as to make clear how and why it supports the thesis.

B Most of the evidence supported does support the thesis, but some irrelevant matters may be introduced, some points may not be clear.

C Little or no evidence is presented that really supports the thesis, and/or the evidence is presented in such a way that it is not clear why the writer thinks the evidence supports the thesis. Papers that consist primarily of plot summary with a few comments interspersed would belong here.

Organization A The paper includes a clear introduction, body, and a conclusion that does more than mechanically summarize what has been argued. The argument flows clearly, and nearly everything in the paper is clearly relevant to arguing the thesis.

B Introduction and conclusion may be clear and coherent, but mechanical. The argument is basically clear, but may wander a bit and include some irrelevant passages.

C Introduction and/or conclusion are lacking. Argument, overall, does not flow clearly – although there may be some good portions. Papers that consist primarily of plot summary will probably receive C’s for organization.