Critical Essay Grading Rubric
Grade Equivalent 1 2
Analytical deft Thoroughly addresses
essay questions, delving
beyond the surface of the
assignment.
Organization/Logic Essay shows complex
argumentation skills. Text
is well structured.
Idea Development Ideas delve beneath the
surface and say
something new and
original, possibly beyond
what has been discussed
in class/contained in
readings.
Content/Details Details are thorough,
advanced, and
sophisticated.
Generalizations If generalizations are
made, they are warranted
by the content of the
essay.
Evidence/Citation Evidence is presented
with sophistication, style,
and finesse.
Documentation of sources
is flawless.
5
Clearly adheres to the Assignment fails to
assignment description. address the questions as
posed.
Paragraphs make sense Poorly organized
and are linked with structure with incoherent
appropriate transitions paragraphs. No transitions
and complementary used to weave arguments
clauses/statements. together.
Ideas are sophisticated Ideas are incoherent or
and logically developed. are mere restatements of/
Readers can readily parroting of points
follow the ideas. discussed in
class/readings.
Essay goes beyond Essay is shallow and
summary, providing in- basic, focusing on surface
depth analysis and details only.
specific claims.
Many claims are too Unsupported
general and lack specific generalizations, non-
support. sequiturs, and stereotypes
abound.
Evidence is drawn from Ideas and claims have no
the text or another support or evidence is
reputable source. unfounded; source
Evidence is pertinent, material is used with no
valid, and documented attempt at documentation.
correctly. Plagiarized material.