History of the Americas HL 11
Rubric for the Unit 1 Essay – Is the Constitution a blueprint for democracy?
Criterion
7-6
All historical information is
Knowledge
accurate and clearly explained.
and
understanding
Student uses extensive range of
relevant and related facts and
(X2)
details regarding ideas, actions
and events from the period 17631789.
5-4
3-2
1-0
Student includes relevant,
accurate historical
information but may have
a somewhat limited range
of relevant historical
information or may not
place in the appropriate
context.
Student includes
limited or inaccurate
historical information.
Events are discussed
out of their context
and show limited
understanding of the
relevant historical
period.
The student shows very
little knowledge and
understanding of the
subject matter through
the use of incorrect
facts, vocabulary and
language, uses limited
range of historical
information.
Student developed and
supports the central claim
but not thoroughly and
consistently.
Student attempts to explain
the connection between
evidence and the central
claim in each section.
Connections are not clear
or are not well-reasoned.
Student may include a
counter-argument but does
not effectively address the
issues raised.
Student addresses the
central claim in an
indirect or implied
way.
Student presents
arguments relevant to
the question but not in
a consistent or focused
way.
Connections between
evidence and claim
may be relevant but
not explicitly
discussed and
reasoned.
No argument presented.
Essay is a historical
summary with no central
claim developed or
arguments developed.
Student does not answer
the question.
Events are placed in their
historical context, and there is a
clear understanding of the idea of
democracy.
Developing the Clearly and consistently stated
central claim and supported a central claim.
Selected evidence relevant to
each argument.
(X2)
All arguments are supported by
relevant and appropriate
historical information, ideas, and
concepts drawn from textual
support from sources.
Connections between evidence
and central claim are explicitly
discussed and well-reasoned.
(May address relevant counterarguments. If so, the counterargument is effectively explained
and supported with evidence.)
History of the Americas HL 11
Rubric for the Unit 1 Essay – Is the Constitution a blueprint for democracy?
Criterion
7-6
5-4
3-2
1-0
Writing
conventions
Organization of the essay
supports the reader’s
understanding.
Paragraphs are coherently
organized and focused on distinct
ideas or topics.
All evidence has a citation in
Chicago style.
Essay has clear and appropriate
introduction, body sections, and
conclusion.
Writing is mostly mistake free.
Well edited.
Essay shows evidence of
some organization.
Structure is somewhat
appropriate to the task, but
some elements of the
structure are not.
Essay includes organized
paragraphs that focus on
more than one topic.
There are some citations in
the essay, and they are
mostly in the correct
format.
Essay shows an
attempt at
organization, but is
mostly unsuccessful.
Essay includes an
introduction, body
paragraphs and
conclusion, but they
are not well defined or
organized.
Writing has many
errors and is not well
edited.
Essay shows little or no
attempt at organizing
information. The essay
is mostly summary with
inappropriate structure
and no introduction or
conclusion.
Writing has errors that
make the essay difficult
to comprehend for the
reader.
Essay is within the word count.
Essay is double spaced and uses
12 point Times New Roman font
Essay uses Chicago style citation
and bibliography
Essay includes page numbers
Essay provides a useful and
original title.
Most of the formatting
requirements have been
met.
Some of the
formatting
requirements have
been met.
Essay is below or above
the word count.
Essay is missing a
bibliography.
(X1)
Formal
Presentation
(X1)