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Rubric for writers: goal statements, essays, and samples

College of Education Writing Center

Topic Read the question or prompt and determine your audience.  

  • Does the piece answer a question?
  • Is the piece written in the appropriate genre?

  • Is the piece complete?

 

StructureOffer a clear, cohesive structure that takes readers through your piece.

  • Is the thesis/main idea obvious?
  • Is the thesis/main idea consistent throughout the piece?

  • Is there a flow to the piece; does the author connect smaller points?

  • Are points joined in an order that emphasizes the main idea?

 

Transitions ­– Connect the major points of your piece and return to your theme.

  • Is the logic, the flow, obvious?
  • Does the author offer readers help connecting ideas and thoughts?

  • Do smaller points culminate in or build to the main idea/thesis?

 

Claims/EvidenceUse data and evidence to support assertions and claims.

  • Does the author make claims based on evidence?
  • Are the claims relevant to the topic?

  • Does the author over-claim? 

 

Editing ­– Eliminate all grammar and usage errors.

  • Are the sentences strong – no passive – and clear?
  • Are the pronouns consistent with the nouns?

  • Is the punctuation correct: no comma splices, serial commas present, etc?

  • Are the modifying phrases correctly placed?

 


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