ENGL110 / Lampe / Spring 2016 / Rubric for First Person Article

Points

Project

Sources

Voice

Editing & Design

Assignment

Exceptional lead and nut graf;

identifies and explores an
implied argument that exhibits
originality, tension, and scope;
productive relationship of story
and bigger picture.

Compelling lead and nut graf;

identifies and develops an
implied argument that exhibits
originality, tension, and scope;
thoughtful movement between
story and bigger picture.

Well-defined lead and nut graf;

identifies a problem and
makes progress toward
implied argument with some
scope and tension; effectively
balances story and bigger
picture.

Sources are used thoughtfully

and clearly differentiate the
writers ideas from sources
through attribution and citation.
Clear and accurate use of
class citation system.

Effective, lucid writing; creative

use of the ladder of
abstraction. Paragraphs are
coherent and developed.
Compelling topic sentences.

Adequate lead and nut graf;

minimally moves toward
implied argument; story and
bigger picture are underdeveloped or unbalanced.

Sources enhance the

argument and do not upstage
the writer. Clear and accurate
use of class citation system.

Effective writing throughout the

essay; thoughtfully uses the
ladder of abstraction. Coherent
paragraphs and topic
sentences.

Very few typos and editing

mistakes.

Essay submitted before due

date on Canvas and observes
the word count (+/- 50 words).

Ineffective lead and nut graf;

unclear implied argument;
story overwhelms the bigger
picture.

Sources are awkwardly

connected to the point or
upstage the writer. Unclearly
or inaccurate use of class
citation system.

The writing is clear in most of

the essay; ineffective use of
the ladder of abstraction.
Weak topic sentences.

Some typos and editing

mistakes.

Essay submitted after due

date on Canvas and observes
the word count (+/- 50 words),
or essay is submitted before
due date on Canvas but does
not word count (+/- 50 words).

The essay has no lead or nut

graf, no identifiable issue, and
no distinction between story
and bigger picture.

No sources are used or

sources are not cited and no
references given.*

Substantial portions of the

writing are ineffective, vague,
or unclear.

Many typos and editing

mistakes.

Essay neither submitted

before due date nor observes
the word count (+/- 50 words).

*Note: Failing to cite sources, or misquoting sources, is plagiarism. Final drafts of work containing plagiarism are automatically scored as a zero.

Grade Scale
Points

Percentage Grade

19-20

95-100

18

90

A-

17

85

16

80

B-

15

75

14

70

C-

13

65

12

60