Rubric for Evaluation of the Paragraph
A rubric is a grading tool that describes the criteria, or "what counts," for the assignment. It also describes each of the
criteria according to gradations of quality, with descriptions of strong, middling, and problematic student work.
Point Value
2 points
1 points
.5 points
0 points
Topic Sentence
Interesting, original topic
sentence. Has a specific
controlling idea.
Clear purpose.
Clearly stated topic sentence
presents one main idea.
The topic sentence’ purpose is unclear.
It needs a more specific controlling idea.
Missing, invalid, or
inappropriate topic sentence;
main idea is missing.
There is no controlling idea.
Supporting Details
Paragraph has enough
supporting sentences and detail
sentences (examples) that relate
to the topic sentence.
Paragraph doesn’t have enough
supporting sentences and detail
sentences (examples) that
relate to the topic sentence.
There are supporting sentences and
detail sentences (examples) that relate to
the topic sentence, but a few are
vague/missing/unrelated.
Insufficient, vague, or
undeveloped examples.
Conclusion
Complete and interesting
conclusion builds onto the topic
sentence/ restates the idea. It
gives a suggestion, some
advice/ opinion etc.
A good conclusion but not
creative, repeats same pattern
of topic sentence. Needs to be
more interesting and better
paraphrased.
The concluding sentence is too vague.
There is no logical concluding
sentence.
Clarity, Coherence
and Style
Clear meaning.
Correct grammar.
Transitions make a good
“flow”.
Precise word choice.
Logical progression of
supporting examples.
Some good vocabulary, but
there are a few repetition in
vocab. or sent. structure.
Some grammar problems.
You need more transitions.
Details are arranged in a
logical progression.
Lots of repetition in vocabulary or
sentence structure.
Some grammar problems.
Weak/no transitions.
Acceptable arrangement of examples.
Unrelated details; no transitions.
Unclear or incomplete.
sentences. Poor word choice.
No pattern of organization.
Mechanics and
Form
Consistent standard English
usage.
Used standard paragraph form.
There are no errors in:
Spelling, capitalization, and/or
punctuation
A few errors, but none major,
in usage, spelling,
capitalization, and/or
punctuation. (1-2)
Some errors in usage, spelling,
capitalization , and/or punctuation (3-4)
Distracting errors in usage,
spelling, and/or punctuation
Topic Sentences ______
Supporting Details ______
Conclusion ______
Clarity, Coherence and Style ______
Mechanics &Form ______
Total Points ______ = grade of ______
Grade Equivalent:
A = 8 - 10 points
B = 6 -7 points
C = 4 - 5 points
D = 2 - 3 points
F = 0 - 1
