English 8 - Essay Rubric

Use this as a guide/checklist as you write your 5 paragraph expository essay.

Expository Writing Rubric - grade 8

Score ( /5)	Writing Traits
	CLEAR, WELL-ORGANIZED, WELL-DEVELOPED IDEAS The writer’s purpose is clear. Transitions are used to connect paragraphs. Introduction, body, conclusion provide logical sequencing of ideas.
	SENTENCE VARIATION IN PARAGRAPHS Lead sentence captures the reader's attention. Sentence lengths and structures are varied. One sentence/paragraph begins with an adjective
	WORD CHOICE and STYLE Utilizes vivid, lively verbs Avoids vague, overused, repetitive language (a lot, great, very, really, there is, there are, super, like . . .) Word choice gives the writer a personality or "voice"
	GRAMMAR, USAGE, MECHANICS No run-on sentences or fragments Subject/verb agreement Consistent verb tense Pronoun/antecedent agreement Correct punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
	ASSIGNMENT DETAILS Includes a title and heading Uses at least 3 properly cited quotes from the article(s) Is double-spaced Works cited list
____/25	________/ 100

5 - Excellent

4 - Good

3 - Fair

2 - Needs Work

1 - Unacceptable