SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENTAL WRITING RUBRIC

The 4 essay provides clear and consistent evidence of the author’s

understanding of the topic

Ÿ Contains a clear, well-developed thesis (argument or position) that is presented in an engaging introduction

Ÿ Supports the thesis in the body paragraphs with substantial, specific, accurate, and relevant information (details and examples)

Ÿ Has consistently insightful analysis (interpretation)

Ÿ Is logically organized and well-written, including a meaningful conclusion

Ÿ May contain minor language errors (e.g., spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors)

The 3 essay provides clear evidence of the author’s understanding of the topic

Ÿ Contains a thesis (argument or position) that is presented in a focused introduction

Ÿ Generally supports the thesis in the body paragraphs with specific, accurate, and relevant information (details and examples)

Ÿ Generally has thoughtful analysis (interpretation)

Ÿ Shows acceptable organization and is well-written, including a relevant conclusion

Ÿ May contain some language errors (e.g., spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors)

The 2 essay provides limited evidence of the author’s understanding of the topic

Ÿ May contain a confused or unfocused thesis (argument or position)

Ÿ Supports the thesis in the body paragraphs with limited accurate relevant information (details and examples)

Ÿ May provide minimal analysis (interpretation)

Ÿ May include minimal organization and/or unclear writing that is not developed

Ÿ May contain numerous language errors (e.g., spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors)

The 1 essay provides little or no evidence of the author’s understanding of the topic

Ÿ May contain no thesis or a thesis that does not address the question

Ÿ Supports the thesis in the body paragraphs with little or no accurate or relevant information (details and examples)

Ÿ May provide little or no analysis (interpretation)

Ÿ May lack any organization and/or include unclear writing that is not developed

Ÿ May contain numerous language errors (e.g., spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors)