Essay rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8
This essay rubric scores a multi-paragraph essay on its main idea, support, organization, word choice and conventions. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with the main idea counting twice; in K–2 the essay becomes a few sentences about one topic, scored in three levels with no points. Print it, copy it into Google Docs, or open it in the rubric maker to change any cell.
Grades K–2
3 levels, 4 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).
| Criteria | Wow! | Yes | Not yet |
|---|---|---|---|
| One topic | All my sentences are about one topic, and I name it at the start. | Most of my sentences are about one topic. | My sentences are about many different things. |
| Telling more | I tell three or more things about my topic. | I tell two things about my topic. | I tell one thing, or my sentences do not tell about my topic. |
| Start and finish | My first sentence says my topic and my last sentence wraps it up. | I have a first sentence and a last sentence. | My writing just starts and stops. |
| Capitals and periods | Every sentence starts with a capital and ends with a period. | Most of my sentences start with a capital and end with a period. | I forget capitals and periods most of the time. |
- I can write about one topic.
- I can tell more about my topic.
- I can write a first sentence and a last sentence.
- I can start each sentence with a capital and end it with a period.
Grades 3–5
4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.
| Criteria | Exceeds4 points | Meets3 points | Approaching2 points | Beginning1 point | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main ideacounts ×2 | States a clear main idea in the introduction, and every paragraph connects back to it. | States a clear main idea, and most paragraphs connect to it. | The main idea is hard to find or changes partway through. | There is no main idea; the essay is a list of unrelated thoughts. | / 8 |
| Support | Each body paragraph has a clear point with three or more strong details or examples. | Each body paragraph has a point with two details or examples. | Some paragraphs have only one detail, or details do not fit the point. | Details are missing or do not connect to the topic. | / 4 |
| Organization | A hook in the introduction, body paragraphs in a logical order with transitions, and a conclusion that sums up. | An introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion, with some transitions. | Has some parts, but paragraphs run together or are out of order. | No clear paragraphs, beginning or ending. | / 4 |
| Word choice | Uses specific, lively words and varied sentences that make the essay fun to read. | Uses clear words and some sentence variety. | Repeats the same words and sentence starts often. | Words are vague or confusing, and sentences all sound the same. | / 4 |
| Conventions | Almost no errors in spelling, capitals or punctuation. | A few errors that do not get in the way of reading. | Several errors that slow the reader down. | Many errors make the essay hard to read. | / 4 |
- I can state one clear main idea for my whole essay.
- I can back up each point with details and examples.
- I can write an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.
- I can choose words that are clear and interesting.
- I can check my spelling, capitals and punctuation.
Grades 6–8
4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.
| Criteria | Exceeds4 points | Meets3 points | Approaching2 points | Beginning1 point | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesiscounts ×2 | A precise, arguable thesis that previews the main points, and every paragraph advances it. | A clear thesis that the body paragraphs support. | The thesis is vague, too broad, or only loosely supported. | No thesis, or the essay drifts away from it. | / 8 |
| Evidence and analysis | Well-chosen, cited evidence in every body paragraph, each followed by analysis that explains its meaning. | Relevant evidence in each body paragraph with some explanation of how it connects. | Evidence is thin or general, or it is dropped in without explanation. | Little or no evidence; points rest on opinion alone. | / 4 |
| Organization | Topic sentences, purposeful transitions between ideas, and a conclusion that extends the thesis rather than repeats it. | Clear introduction, body and conclusion, with topic sentences and transitions. | Paragraphs exist but the order is weak or transitions are missing. | No clear structure; ideas are hard to follow. | / 4 |
| Style and audience | A consistent formal tone, precise vocabulary and varied sentence structure suited to the audience. | A mostly formal tone with clear vocabulary and some variety. | Slips into casual language, or word choice is often vague. | Tone and words do not suit an academic reader. | / 4 |
| Conventions | Nearly error-free, including correct citations and complex sentence punctuation. | Few errors; citations are mostly correct. | Errors in grammar or citations distract the reader. | Frequent errors make the essay hard to follow. | / 4 |
- I can write a precise thesis that the whole essay proves.
- I can support each point with evidence and explain how it proves my thesis.
- I can organize paragraphs so each one builds toward my conclusion.
- I can write in a formal style with precise words for my reader.
- I can edit for grammar, spelling, punctuation and citation format.
When to use it
- Any five-paragraph or multi-paragraph essay: a response to a prompt, an end-of-unit essay, a timed writing.
- Hand it out with the prompt so students can plan to the top column before they draft.
- For revision days: students highlight the cell that matches their draft and fix one row before they turn it in.
What to say to students
- Write your main idea in one sentence before you write anything else.
- Every body paragraph needs one point and the details that prove it.
- Read your essay out loud once; your ear catches what your eyes miss.
Related
The criteria are generic and written for this site, with no standards codes, so they fit any curriculum. Open one in the maker to change a word, add a row or switch to a single-point rubric; what you change stays in your browser.