Name: Informational Essay Rubric

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  Relates to the piece of writing
  

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  Fits the whole piece of writing
  
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  Avoids being a label
  
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  Attracts a reader’s attention
  

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  Fits the whole piece of writing
  
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  Avoids being a label
  
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  Attracts a reader’s attention
  
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  Is grounded in the piece; isn’t too obscure
  
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  Is memorable
  

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  Introduces the topic
  

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  Lead is focused
  
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  Introduces the topic
  
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  Attempts one of the of 5 “Leads to Try” (Anecdote, Quotation, News, Background or Announcement)
  

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  Lead is focused
  
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  Introduces the topic
  
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  Lead is crafted and developed
  
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  Successfully uses one of 5 “Leads to Try” (Anecdote, Quotation, News, Background or Announcement)
  

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  Thesis is stated but needs work
  

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  Thesis is stated
  
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  Thesis presents one main topic
  

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  Thesis is focused (not too broad or too vague)
  
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  Thesis presents one main topic
  
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  Thesis makes a claim or takes a stand
  

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  First main point is introduced
  
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  Point is supported
  

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  First main point is introduced
  
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  Paragraph is focused on one main point
  
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  Paragraph length is appropriate
  
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  Point is well-supported
  
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  Evidence relates to the thesis
  
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  Conclusion sentence is attempted
  

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  First main point is introduced via a clear main idea sentence
  
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  Paragraph is focused on one main point
  
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  Paragraph length is appropriate
  
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  Point is well-supported with sufficient evidence and includes quotes properly cited
  
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  Evidence clearly supports the thesis
  
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  First point is tied up via a conclusion sentence
  

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  Second main point is introduced
  
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  Point is supported
  

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  Second main point is introduced
  
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  Paragraph is focused on one main point
  
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  Paragraph length is appropriate
  
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  Point is well-supported
  
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  Evidence relates to the thesis
  
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  Conclusion sentence is attempted
  

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  Second main point is introduced via a clear main idea sentence
  
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  Paragraph is focused on one main point
  
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  Paragraph length is appropriate
  
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  Point is well-supported with sufficient evidence and includes quotes properly cited
  
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  Evidence clearly supports the thesis
  
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  Second point is tied up via a conclusion sentence
  

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  Third main point is introduced
  
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  Point is supported
  

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  Third main point is introduced
  
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  Paragraph is focused on one main point
  
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  Paragraph length is appropriate
  
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  Point is well-supported
  
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  Evidence relates to the thesis
  
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  Conclusion sentence is attempted
  

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  Third main point is introduced via a clear main idea sentence
  
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  Paragraph is focused on one main point
  
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  Paragraph length is appropriate
  
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  Point is well-supported with sufficient evidence and includes quotes properly cited
  
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  Evidence clearly supports the thesis
  
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  Third point is tied up via a conclusion sentence
  

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  Some attempt at structure is evident
  
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  Some transitions are used
  

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  Essay attempts to follow one of the common non-fiction text structures (Cause & Effect, Compare & Contrast, or Chronological Order)
  
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  Paragraphs are logically arranged to “flow well”
  
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  Transitions are used between paragraphs
  

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  Essay is organized according to one of the common non-fiction text structures
  
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  Paragraphs are purposefully arranged to build up a strong argument
  
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  Uses paragraph structure point by point or block by block
  
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  Transitions are used effectively between paragraphs and ideas
  

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  Demonstrates use of at least 1 writing craft and/or compositional risk
  
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  Example is highlighted
  

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  Demonstrates use of at least 2 different writing crafts and/or compositional risks
  
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  Examples of crafts are highlighted
  

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  Demonstrates use of at least 3 different writing crafts and/or compositional risks
  
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  In-text citation
  
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  Quote followed by a debriefing sentence
  
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  Examples of crafts are highlighted
  

□ Attempts one of the 6 “Conclusions to Try” (Admonition or instruction, Prediction, Strong, punched statement, Anecdote, Pointed Questions, or Echo)

□ Successfully uses one of of the 6 “Conclusions to Try” (Admonition or instruction, Prediction, Strong, punched statement, Anecdote, Pointed Questions, or Echo)