Rubric for Expository Writing
Criteria
Ideas and
Argument
Unacceptable
Obvious; shallow; unsound;
inaccurate; clichéd
Support
Inappropriate; vague;
incomplete; general
Writing Style &
Usage
Mechanics &
Following
Instructions
Acceptable
Sound; limited in depth;
appropriate but inadequately
developed
Appropriate; sufficient;
relevant; clear; mostly general
Good
Thoughtful; mature; reasoned;
interesting; understandable
Thorough; persuasive;
specific; clear; complete
Excellent
Interesting; clear; thoughtprovoking; reasoned;
sophisticated; insightful
Accurate; forceful; rich in
detail; extensive; convincing;
specific
Inappropriate or immature
vocabulary; incorrect word
choice; word omissions; errors
in agreement; inconsistent
tenses
Adequate vocabulary; reliance
on verbs of being and passive Effective vocabulary; accurate
voice; shows symptoms of
word use; use of action verbs
“thesaurusitis”; some problems and active voice
with usage
Rich, precise and effective
vocabulary; fresh and intense
language and imagery; use of
strong action verbs; confident
active voice
Mechanical errors which
interfere with communication
and/or meaning
Some bothersome errors in
spelling and punctuation
Error free
Mostly error free
Used by kind permission of Barbara Frey, Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education, University of Pittsburg.