GP: Humans and Other Species Writing Rubric
Name: ____________________
Criteria Excellent (4)
Clearly introduces the topic and
Introduction
provides a strong thesis statement.
Presents clear and well-developed
arguments supported by relevant
Body Paragraphs
evidence. Each paragraph has a
clear topic sentence.
Ideas are logically organized with
Organization smooth transitions between
paragraphs. Headings are used.
Employs a variety of sentence
structures and demonstrates a
Language and Style strong command of language.
Language is engaging and
appropriate for the audience.
Topic: _____________________________________
Good (3)
Introduces the topic and includes a
thesis statement.
Presents arguments supported by
relevant evidence. Most
paragraphs have a clear topic
sentence.
Ideas are organized with
transitions between paragraphs.
Headings are used.
Uses a variety of sentence
structures and language is
appropriate for the audience.
Fair (2)
Introduces the topic but lacks a
clear thesis statement.
Presents some arguments but
lacks clear supporting evidence.
Some paragraphs lack a clear
topic sentence.
Ideas are somewhat organized
but transitions are lacking.
Language is somewhat varied but
may be repetitive. Language is
mostly appropriate for the
audience.
Needs Improvement (1) Score
Does not introduce the topic
or provide a thesis statement.
Arguments are unclear or
unsupported by evidence.
Topic sentences are missing or
unclear.
Ideas are poorly organized
with abrupt transitions.
Language is limited and
repetitive. Language may not
be appropriate for the
audience.

Summarizes key points and restates
Conclusion the thesis effectively. Provides a
thoughtful conclusion.
Research and Uses relevant and credible sources
Evidence to support arguments.
Demonstrates a strong grasp of
Mechanics and grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Formatting Formatting is consistent and
appropriate.
Exceptional work that demonstrates
a deep understanding of the topic
Overall Quality
and mastery of research writing
skills.
Summarizes key points and
restates the thesis. Provides a
conclusion.
Uses mostly relevant sources to
support arguments.
Demonstrates a good grasp of
grammar, punctuation, and
spelling. Formatting is mostly
consistent and appropriate.
Good work that demonstrates a
solid understanding of the topic
and research writing skills.
Summarizes some key points but
lacks a clear restatement of the
thesis. Provides a basic
conclusion.
Uses limited or irrelevant sources
to support arguments.
Demonstrates basic grammar,
punctuation, and spelling.
Formatting may be inconsistent.
Fair work that demonstrates
some understanding of the topic
and basic research writing skills.
Does not summarize key
points or restate the thesis
effectively. Conclusion is weak
or missing.
Does not use relevant or
credible sources to support
arguments.
Demonstrates poor grammar,
punctuation, and spelling.
Formatting is inconsistent or
inappropriate.
Work that demonstrates little
understanding of the topic
and lacks basic research
writing skills.
TOTAL SCORE /32
CONVERTED SCORE (10%)