A rubric is usually a grid with levels and descriptions for each level. On the top level is an "A" or something equivalent. On the bottom level is what characterizes a "failing" paper. Here is an example:
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Beginner |
Basic |
Intermediate |
Advanced |
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Introduction |
Introduction is unclear and/or not complete. |
Introduction is somewhat unclear or is not complete. |
Introduction is complete but could be more specific or use more work to gain the reader’s interest. |
Introduction is strong and clearly states the main idea. It gains the reader’s interest. |
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Thesis Statement |
Is missing, is posed as a question, is incomplete, or is not the right type for the paragraph’s purpose. |
May be incomplete or not the right type for the paragraph’s purpose. |
Is clear but could be more specific. |
Is clear, is a statement, is specific, and is the right kind of the type of essay being written. |
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Body paragraphs |
Short or overuse of simple sentences in most of the three body paragraphs. |
Overuse of simple sentences and/or vague details. May be lacking one of the three main points or short a body paragraph. |
Has all three main points, but the details are vague in places. |
Consistently clear, specific details used to support three main points. Creates interest through varied sentence structure. There are three clearly organized body paragraphs. |
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Conclusion |
Is short, missing, or unclear. |
Is short or not developed nicely. |
Is not focused or does not effectively tie things together. |
Is clear, complete, focused, and ties everything together nicely. |
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Transition words |
Few or none used. |
Few used. |
Mostly used in front of key points. |
Used in front of each key point. |
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Punctuation, spelling, word choice |
Needs a lot of editing. |
Needs some editing. |
Has a few editing issues. |
May have a couple of editing issues. |
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MLA format |
Not used or lots of mistakes with MLA format. |
Several mistakes with MLA format. |
Mostly perfect MLA format. |
Perfect MLA format. |
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Concluding sentence |
No concluding sentence. |
Unclear or partial concluding sentence. |
Vague concluding sentence. |
Clear, strong concluding sentence that ties up the main idea effectively. |
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When you have a rubric, use this in addition to your assignment sheet and write a list of everything that you should do to earn an "A." For example, according to the rubric, the paper needs to have an introduction that gains the reader's interest. By using the rubric as a checklist for what your goals are for a writing assignment, you can get closer to hitting the target. Don't hesitate to ask your instructor for clarification or examples if needed. They are there to help!