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Rubric for Expository Essay
The main purpose of a rubric is to help you do your best work. Use the rubric to make sure you understand what you are expected to learn. Is all of your work best described by column 4? If not, what can you improve? If you have access to a printer, you may want to print the rubric for reference as your work through the activities. Ask your teacher for help if you have any questions about the rubric.  

	4	3	2	1
Introductory Paragraph	The introduction captures your reader’s attention, interests your readers in the topic, and engages your readers in learning about the topic.	The introduction clearly states the topic of the essay in an interesting and engaging way.	The introduction clearly states the topic of the essay but may not be interesting or engaging.	The introduction does not clearly state the topic of the essay.
Body Paragraphs	The body thoroughly explains the topic. Body paragraphs are focused and that present main points in a logical order. All body paragraphs are connected by smooth transitions.	The body adequately explains the topic. Body paragraphs are focused and complete, but main points may not be presented in a logical order. Most body paragraphs are connected by smooth transitions.	The body generally explains the topic. Some body paragraphs explain more than one main point or provide too much or too little information to support the main point. Body paragraphs do not have smooth transitions.	The body does not adequately explain the topic.
Concluding Paragraph	The conclusion offers your readers a new viewpoint or insight. The conclusion summarizes and synthesizes the essay’s explanation of the topic in a way that makes a lasting impression.	The conclusion offers your readers a new viewpoint or insight. The conclusion summarizes and synthesizes the essay’s explanation of the topic, but may not make a lasting impression.	The conclusion does not offer readers a new viewpoint. The conclusion summarizes the essay’s explanation of the topic, but does not offer your audience a new viewpoint or insight.	The conclusion does not summarize the essay’s explanation of the topic.
Peer Review	Suggestions are offered and accepted, and creative alternatives are explored. Revision is thorough and objective.	Suggestions are offered and accepted, and needed improvements are made. Revision is objective but not thorough.	Suggestions are offered and accepted, but few improvements are made. Revision is substantial but not objective.	Suggestions are not offered or accepted. Revision is hurried and incomplete.
Writing Mechanics	Editing is thorough and systematic. All words are spelled and capitalized correctly. All sentences are punctuated correctly. Paragraphing is appropriate and helps move the essay along.	Editing is systematic but not thorough. Almost all words are spelled and capitalized correctly. Almost all sentences are punctuated correctly. Paragraphing is appropriate throughout the essay.	Editing is not systematic. Several words are misspelled or capitalized incorrectly. Several sentences are punctuated incorrectly. Paragraphing is awkward in some parts of the essay.	Editing is hurried and incomplete. Many words are misspelled and capitalized incorrectly. Many sentences are punctuated incorrectly. Paragraphing is awkward throughout the entire essay.

                        

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