In this respect, rubrics can be of great help to scoring a paper. A rubric is a scoring tool that clearly indicates achievement criteria across all the components of an assignment. It lists each of the criteria separately and defines the different performance levels within those criteria.

The following rubric describes levels of competence in completing an essay on a history exam or homework assignment other than a research paper.

Thesis and Argumentation

The thesis is clear, arguable, and well-supported by the evidence. The argument is coherent and well-developed.

The thesis is clear but may lack detail. The argument is generally coherent but may have a few inconsistencies.

The thesis is somewhat clear but may be too general. The argument is somewhat coherent but may lack development.

The thesis is not clear or arguable. The argument is unclear or incomplete.

Evidence and Analysis

The essay uses relevant evidence to support its argument and links that evidence to the argument. The essay uses some relevant evidence to support its argument but may lack detail.

The essay uses minimal relevant evidence to support its argument. The essay lacks evidence to support its argument.

Organization and Writing

The essay is well-organized and clearly written. The essay is adequately organized and clearly written. The essay is somewhat organized but may lack clarity.

The essay is poorly organized and may lack clarity.

Conclusion

The essay has a clear and effective conclusion. The essay has an adequate conclusion. The essay has a weak or incomplete conclusion.