Expository Essay Grading Rubric Opening: Does the essay catch the readers interest?

? Does the opening engage or connect with

the reader? Does it let the reader know what he/she can expect from this essay? (10 points)

Message/Focus: Is the message of the essay clear, concise, and readily apparent to the
reader? Is it thoughtful and articulate? Does it fit with the essay guidelines? (20 points)

Organization: Is the essay well organized? Can the reader easily follow the line of reasoning
from start to finish? Do all the paragraphs clearly connect? Does the writer keep from straying too far off-topic? Do ideas flow smoothly from one to the next? (20 points)

Content: Does the essay include enough support for the writers message? Are the ideas
developed sufficiently? Does the writer give specific examples? Are quotations used correctly? Are all the sources acknowledged? (20 points)

Closing: Does the essay have a strong closing point? Does the conclusion help the reader to
connect the ideas, or understand the message of the essay? Does the closing lead the reader to any conclusions, does it propose a solution, does it address a question? (10 points)

Style/Voice: Does the author effectively engage the reader throughout? Are the sentences
well-phrased and varied in length and structure? Do they flow smoothly from one to the next? Is the word choice precise and accurate? Can the reader get a sense of this writers unique voice? Does the writing have personality? (10 points)

Grammar/Mechanics: Is the writing free, or almost free, of errors? Does the writer employ
accurate use of grammar and punctuation rules? (10 points)