Summary Rubric
Criteria 100-79%
Main Idea Clear main idea in the first
sentence. Summary acknowledges
20% the author and the source.
Supporting Clearly states all important points
Details using own words or statements
without personal opinion. Main
ideas are powerfully paraphrased.
No unnecessary details.
20%
Conclusion Author restates the main idea
again as a conclusion without
20% writing it the same as in the first
sentence.
Organization Ideas are in a logical order and
20% connected to make the writing
flow smoothly. Strong and
sufficient use of reporting verbs or
reminding phrases. Effective
transition between ideas.
78-57%
Main idea in the first
sentence. However, needs to
be clearer and more specific.
Acknowledges the author or
the source.
States 2 or more important
(but not all) points with
some paraphrasing of
information. Generally, main
ideas are successfully
paraphrased though some
parts contain partial
paraphrasing. Some
unnecessary details are
included.
Restated main idea doesn’t
differ much from the first
sentence.
Generally, ideas are in
logical order. Uses reporting
verbs adequately, though
with some repetition. Some
parts have weak transition.
57-36%
Main idea is unclear — not
specifically stated in the
writing. No
acknowledgement of the
author and source.
States at least 2 important
points. Demonstrates little
paraphrasing, may include
personal opinion. Substantial
copying of main idea. Too
many details are included.
Restated main idea is not in
this piece of writing or is the
exact copy of the first
sentence.
Ideas are in a random order
and not logical. Insufficient
use of reporting verbs.
Transition between ideas is
not smooth.
35%-0
The main idea is not present in
the first sentence of the writing.
No acknowledgement.
Contains only some main
points. Includes unnecessary
information. Does not
demonstrate any paraphrasing,
exact copying from the original
text without proper citation.
Missing a concluding sentence
with the restated main idea.
Ideas are not in logical order.
No reporting verbs are used.
No transition.

Mechanics& Contains few, if any spelling or
Grammar grammatical errors. Style is
appropriate for academic writing.
20% There is no redundancy or
repetition. Vocabulary is effective
and appropriate for academic
writing. The length of the
summary is 20/25% of the original
text. The paper has correct citation
and formatting.
Calculation 20/20 = 100%
Summary Rubric
Contains several errors in
punctuation, spelling or
grammar that do not
interfere with meaning.
However, there is some
redundancy. Vocabulary is
generally appropriate for
academic writing. The length
of the summary is 30-40% of
the original text. There is
minor problem with citation
and formatting.
Contains many errors in
punctuation, spelling and/or
grammar that interferes with
meaning. The summary is
too long/short. Serious style
problems, such as
redundancy, informality,
vagueness and impreciseness
exist in the paper. Improper
citation and formatting.
Contains many errors in
punctuation, spelling and/or
grammar that make the piece
illegible. Sentences are choppy
or awkward. Style is not
academic. Summary is not
completed. No citation and
improper formatting.