Writing Resources

Grading Rubric: Essay

Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies 

An ideal A+ essay answers all parts of the assignment, using an interesting, complex argument that is thoroughly well-executed and easy to follow.  Its content and presentation is superior, and it is interesting to read. The following chart outlines the characteristics of an ideal essay.  Essays will that are lacking in one or more of these criteria will receive lower grades; those that show some effort, but contain poor content and presentation, will receive the grade of D.

  1.  Thesis

    • The thesis covers the assignment in an ample fashion by responding to a true question, tension or problem that derives from the assignment. 

    • The major claim of the essay is complex, insightful, and if possible, unexpected. 

    • The essay makes clear why the thesis is interesting and important.

    • It is stated clearly at the outset (though not necessarily in the first sentence) and evolves throughout the paper.   

  2. Evidence & Analysis
    • The essay uses the evidence fairly, and shows a clear and sophisticated understanding of the evidence.
    • Evidence is introduced throughout the essay at the proper time, helping to move the argument forward in an interesting fashion.
    • The evidence is used in a nuanced fashion, not only to support but also to complicate the claims of the essay.
    • Quotations are used appropriately, and good judgment is shown in terms of when material is quoted as opposed to paraphrased.
  3. Structure

    • Ideas develop over the course of the essay so that the foundations established early on push the argument toward a more complex conclusion that is not identical to the introduction.

    • The structure is engaging, and if possible, suspenseful.

    • The structure is clear and logical, but subtle, avoiding phrases such as: “I will begin with” and “Moving on to the next problem.”

  4. Style

    • The writing is clear, concise and sophisticated, demonstrating sentence variety and appropriate vocabulary. 

    • It is clear that particular attention has been lavished on the introduction and the conclusion.

    • Proper footnote and bibliographic form are used throughout.

    • The essay is a pleasure to read.

  5. Revision

    • The essay addresses all the comments of the instructor and peer reviewers.

    • The final draft shows that fundamental issues, and not just smaller points of style, have been considered.

    • It is meticulously proofread.

Not Passing. An essay will not pass if it does not answer the assignment, is excessively sloppy in terms of style, does not meet the page requirement, or plagiarizes.   

Late Papers.  A fraction of a letter grade (e.g. from A to A-, or from B- to C+) will be deducted for each 24 hour period that the paper is late unless you have received written permission to submit the paper late.

Proper Formatting.  Essays that do not adhere to the proper format guidelines of the assignment (page numbers, double-spaced, proper margins, etc.) will be returned for corrections and resubmission.  If they are (re)submitted after the due date, they will count as late.

 

Marc Brettler

Developed at Brandeis University through a grant from the Davis Educational Foundation