Master Rubric
10:Mastery 8:Adequate
Thesis is definite, arguable, clear and answers the
question.
Thesis/
intro
Strong introduction maps out the argument and
gives thorough topical context/summary
Well organized, with coherent and fluid
Structure
progression of ideas.
Strong and varied transitions establish the
relationships between ideas.
Thorough, appropriate and convincing evidence
supports claims; facts/details are relevant and
Selection
Evidence
specific.
Obtained from multiple sources (synthesis) and
source types.
Consistently paraphrased, summarized and
evidence
directly quoted when appropriate.
Use of
Quotes are correctly and seamlessly integrated
into sentences/paragraphs.
Elaboration is effective and varied.
Interpretation of evidence is mature,
Analysis
demonstrating critical thinking.
Original and insightful commentary clearly
connects evidence to thesis and explains
significance of the evidence.
Skillful use of language: varied, accurate and apt
vocabulary that is appropriate to task and
Vocab
audience.
MLA: Perfect (Follows directions)
Format
Heading, Header, Fonts, Spacing, Margins, Pg #S
7:Developing
Thesis is somewhat clear and arguable
and answers question.
Introduction maps out the argument and
gives some context.
Adequately organized; some
coherence/progression of ideas.
Adequate transitions clarify relationships
between ideas.
Adequate evidence supports claims;
includes facts and details.
Obtained from more than one source,
but references may be general and
source type may lack variety.
Mostly paraphrased, summarized or
directly quoted when appropriate.
Quotes are adequately integrated into
sentences/paragraphs.
Adequate use of some elaborative
techniques.
There is adequate Interpretation of
evidence beyond the obvious.
Commentary demonstrates critical
thinking and connects evidence to thesis.
Adequate but inconsistent use of
language, with generally appropriate
vocabulary.
MLA: Good (circle 1-2 errors)
Heading, Header, Fonts, Spacing,
Margins, Pg #s
6:Inadequate
Thesis is present but unclear, inarguable
or doesnt answer question.
Intro is brief or weak, without context;
the reader is confused.
Limited organization; may demonstrate
some lapses in coherence/ progression
of idea.
Inconsistent transitions.
Uneven, imprecise and cursory evidence
attempts to support claims.
Obtained from one source or references
are vague.
Improper use of paraphrasing,
summarizing or direct quotations.
Quotes stand alone and/or are not
integrated properly into sentences.
Weak or uneven use of elaborative
techniques; source summary
or may rely on emotional appeal.
Obvious and basic commentary.
Developing use of language, with
meaning sometimes obscured by weak
vocabulary or inappropriate word choice.
Frequent use of slang, clichs, non-
academic language.
MLA: Inconsistent (circle 3 + errors)
Heading, Header, Fonts, Spacing,
Margins, Pg #s
Total
No thesis.
Introduction does not make sense.
Poorly organized; ideas may be
randomly ordered or have an
unclear progression.
Few or no transitions.
Evidence is minimal or irrelevant;
references may be absent or
incorrectly used.
Claims are presented as evidence.
Not paraphrased, summarized or
quoted; claims are presented as
evidence.
Minimal, if any, use of elaborative
techniques; emotional appeal may
dominate.
No commentary;
summary/restatement of ideas;
misunderstanding of prompt or
text; illogical argument.
Meaning severely obscured by
regularly flawed vocabulary or
incorrect word choice.
Inappropriate to task/audience.
Incorrect MLA format
 Perfect (Follows directions) Good (circle 1-2 errors) Inconsistent (circle 3+ errors) Incorrect format
Works Cited

Spacing, hanging indentations, margins, Spacing, hanging indentations, margins, Spacing, handing indentations, margins,
alphabetical order, correct information for each alphabetical order, correct information alphabetical order, correct information
entry for each entry for each entry

In-text citations are perfect. In-text citations are adequate. In-text citations are attempted but are Incorrect format
mostly incorrect.
Attributions techniques vary. Attribution techniques vary somewhat. *Papers with no in-text citations
Attributions

No variety in attribution techniques. will earn zero points in this

All in-text citations refer to Works Cited page and Most in-text citations refer to Works Inconsistencies between in-text citations category and will have to be
all sources listed on Works Cited page are Cited page and most sources on Works and Works Cited page. redone in order to qualify for
referenced in the paper. Cited page are referenced in the paper. grading.

No errors. Mastery of: Adequate command of: Meaning partially obscured by regularly Meaning severely obscured by
flawed: pervasive errors in:
Conventions

correct & varied sentence formation correct & varied sentence formation sentence formation/variety sentence formation/variety
punctuation, capitalization punctuation, capitalization punctuation, capitalization punctuation, capitalization
grammar usage grammar usage grammar usage grammar usage
spelling spelling spelling spelling
sentence variety
Requirements (All or Nothing Score 10 points)
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Comments
Score