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Word problems rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This word problems rubric scores a set of word problems the way a teacher reads them: finding the question and the numbers that matter, choosing the operation or equation, a correct and labeled answer, checking it, and writing a word problem of your own. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with the operation counting twice; K–2 uses three levels with no points. Print it, or open it in the rubric maker to change any cell.

Written for Peabody Teach. Checked . Free to print, copy and change.

Word problems rubric, grades K–2

3 levels, 3 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).

Word problems rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
Find the questionI circle the question and the numbers I need.I circle the question.I am not sure what it asks yet.
Add or subtractI choose the right way and tell why.I choose the right way.I choose the wrong way.
My answerMy answer is right and has a word, like 7 dogs.My answer is right.My answer does not fit the story yet.
Open in the maker
  • I can find what the story asks.
  • I can choose to add or subtract.
  • I can write my answer with a word.

Word problems rubric, grades 3–5

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Word problems rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Key informationIdentifies the question, the needed numbers and any extra information, and restates the problem.Identifies the question and the needed numbers.Misses a needed number or misreads the question.Cannot identify what the problem asks./ 4
Operationcounts ×2Chooses the right operations, writes an equation with a symbol for the unknown, and explains the choice.Chooses the right operations and writes an equation.Chooses a wrong operation for one step of a multistep problem.Operation does not fit the problem./ 8
AnswerCorrect answers with labels on every problem.Correct, labeled answers on most problems.Several errors or missing labels.Most answers wrong or missing./ 4
CheckingChecks with an estimate or the inverse operation and fixes any mistake found.Checks that the answer makes sense in the story.Checking is mentioned but not shown.No checking./ 4
My own problemA clear, original problem with one question, all needed numbers and a correct answer key.A clear problem with a correct answer key.Problem is missing information or the key is wrong.No problem written./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can find the question and the numbers I need.
  • I can choose the right operation and write an equation.
  • I can solve correctly and label my answer.
  • I can check that my answer makes sense.
  • I can write a word problem a classmate can solve.

Word problems rubric, grades 6–8

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Word problems rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Representingcounts ×2Defines the variable, writes an equation or inequality that models every condition, and explains each part.Defines the variable and writes a correct equation or inequality.The equation misses a condition, or the variable is never defined.No representation, or it does not fit./ 8
SolvingEvery step shown and correct, with units carried through.Steps shown and correct, with a labeled answer.Errors in some steps.Most steps wrong or missing./ 4
InterpretingStates the answer in a sentence and explains whether every solution makes sense, such as rejecting a negative count.States the answer in a sentence with units.Gives a number without context.No interpretation./ 4
CheckingSubstitutes back into the equation and compares with an estimate.Substitutes back or estimates to check.Checking is mentioned but not shown.No check is shown./ 4
Writing a problemAn original multistep problem with a real context, a unique answer and a full worked solution.An original multistep problem with a correct solution.Problem is one step, unclear or has a wrong solution.No problem written./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can define a variable and represent the problem with an equation or inequality.
  • I can solve accurately and show each step.
  • I can interpret my answer in the context of the problem.
  • I can verify my solution by substituting or estimating.
  • I can write a multistep word problem that needs an equation to solve.

When to use it

  • A page or quiz of word problems, scored as a whole rather than one answer at a time.
  • A writing-your-own-problem task, where students trade problems with a partner.
  • As a strategy card on the desk: circle the question, box the numbers, pick the operation.

What to say to students

  • Circle the question. Box the numbers you need. Cross out the ones you do not.
  • Ask yourself: am I putting together, taking apart, comparing or making equal groups?
  • Your answer needs a label, like 12 apples, not just 12.
  • Read your answer back into the story. Does it make sense?

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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.