Extended Definition Essay Rubric

 

	Focus	Organization	Support	Clarity	Format
A	Effectively and insightfully connects reader to word/phrase Stays on topic Strong conclusion that extends understanding of ideas	Thoughts put together well Logical connections and transitions Coherent Strong ¶ development beyond 5 ¶ format	Great examples to get reader’s interest Detailed Focused and on topic Unique. Both the novel and nonfiction source are smoothly incorporated into the essay.	Proper/varied sentence structure, grammar, spelling Strong wording to make reader interested	The essay is written in MLA format and reaches the 3 page minimum. The essay cites the sources at the end of the essay correctly.
B	Effectively connects to word/phrase On topic, but not at the depth and consistency of top level Closing extends understanding of ideas	Each ¶ has topic sentence Logical connections and transitions Coherent, but less so than top level ¶’s developed	Good examples Detailed On topic Both the nonfiction source and novel are placed into the novel but may not be as relevant to the topic as they could be.	Strong writing, with good sentence structure, grammar Sustains reader interest No major errors	Has some formatting errors. Falls somewhat short of the page requirement. The sources are cited but have some errors
C	Tackles definition, but in rudimentary, basic way On topic, but not inspired Closing to brief to address the ideas at any depth	5 ¶ essay Adequate connections and mechanical transitions Some coherence Minimal ¶ development	Obvious examples Some detail Mostly on topic No depth or new interest generated Either the novel or a nonfiction source is missing	Adequate writing Inconsistent-some good/bad sentences Average vocabulary Few errors	There are some errors with formatting. Does not reach the minimum page requirement. The sources have some major problems in their citation
D and Below	Minimum attempt Subject and reasons unclear or confusing No conclusion	Less than 5 ¶ essay Little organization in evidence Some evidence that ideas are there, but not coherent No ¶ development	Off topic Writer does not know enough about word to sustain the essay The novel is not used in the essay. The non-fiction source is not used in the essay	Lots of spelling and grammar errors. The clarity of the ideas and messages are harmed in the essay.	Noticeable errors in the formatting. Falls considerably short in the page requirement. References are missing.