Name_________________________________

Period______ Date______________________

Descriptive Essay Rubric

Title of Essay reflects content: Yes No

Peer Assessor: ______________________

CATEGORY 4 3 2 1
Introduction Introductory Introductory Introductory No attempt is made
paragraph clearly paragraph states paragraph attempts to state the subject
states subject of subject of essay to state subject of of the essay in an
essay and captures but is not essay but does not introductory
reader's attention. particularly inviting capture reader's paragraph.
to the reader. attention.

Sensory Details Essay includes Includes details Includes details Includes no details
details that appeal that appeal to that appeal to only that appeal to one
to at least three of fewer than three of one of the five of the five senses.
the five senses the five senses. senses.
(taste, touch,
sound, sight,
smell).

Word Choice Writer uses vivid Writer uses vivid Writer uses words Writer uses a
words and phrases words and phrases that communicate limited vocabulary
that linger or draw that linger or draw clearly, but the that does not
pictures in the pictures in the writing lacks communicate
reader's mind, and reader's mind, but variety, punch or strongly or capture
the choice and occasionally the flair. the reader's
placement of the words are used interest. Jargon or
words seems inaccurately or cliches may be
accurate, natural seem overdone. present and detract
and not forced. from the meaning.
Simile/Metaphor/Personifica Writer effectively Writer uses one Writer may try to Writer does not
tion uses simile, example of simile, use simile, include simile,
metaphor, and metaphor, or metaphor, and metaphor, or
personification to personification to personification but personification in
describe the describe the does so incorrectly. essay.
subject. subject.

Sentence Structure All sentences are Most sentences are Most sentences are Sentences lack
(Sentence Fluency) well-constructed well-constructed well-constructed structure and
with varied with varied but have a similar appear incomplete
structure. structure. structure. or rambling.

Grammar, Spelling,
Capitalization, &
Punctuation
There are no errors There are some There are errors There are serious
in grammar, errors; however, that distract the errors that interfere
spelling, these errors do not reader. Rubric is with the reader's
capitalization, or distract the reader. attached to essay. understanding of
punctuation. Rubric Rubric is attached Essay is completed the essay. Rubric is
is attached to to essay. Essay is on time. not attached to
essay. Essay is completed on time. essay. Essay is
completed on time. completed on time.