AP Essay - Rubric
Criteria
Introduction /
Thesis
Criteria
Knowledge
Criteria
Evidence/
Primary Sources
Criteria
Analysis
Excellent (8-9)
Presents a clear, well
developed, complex intro
& thesis
Demonstrates good
knowledge of the subject
matter
Excellent (8-9)
Supports thesis and main
ideas with relevant &
helpful evidence
Excellent (8-9)
Provides an effective
analysis that answers all
aspects of the question;
thoroughly addresses
counter-arguments
Paper has strong structure
and logical flow, and
obvious agreement
between introduction and
conclusion
Criteria
Excellent (8-9)
8
95
A
Adequate (4-5)
Demonstrates average
knowledge of the subject
matter
7
90
A
Adequate (4-5)
Supports thesis and main
ideas with limited, but
appropriate evidence
Good (6-7)
Adequate (4-5)
Provides analysis but may
not devote equal weight to
all parts of the question;
addresses counterarguments
Analysis is present but
superficial; fails to address
counter-arguments; does
not sufficiently address all
parts of the question
Good (6-7)
Adequate (4-5)
Paper has structure and
logical flow; loose
agreement between
introduction and
conclusion
Writing presents no
obstacles to
understanding; high
degree of skill and
complexity
9
100
A
Presents a simple intro &
thesis with limited
development
Good (6-7)
Supports thesis and main
ideas with substantial,
relevant, & accurate
evidence
Organization and
Presentation
Adequate (4-5)
Good (6-7)
Demonstrates superior
knowledge of the subject
matter
Excellent (8-9)
Grading Scale
Numeric Scale
Letter Grade
Presents a clear, well
developed, intro & thesis
Excellent (8-9)
Criteria
Written
Expression
Good (6-7)
Paper has weak structure,
understandable flow and
loose agreement between
introduction and
conclusion
Insufficient (1-2-3)
Intro & thesis are confused
or underdeveloped; paper
is lacking one or both
Insufficient (1-2-3)
Demonstrates superficial
or insufficient knowledge
of the subject matter
Insufficient (1-2-3)
Provides minimal,
irrelevant, or insufficient
evidence
Insufficient (1-2-3)
Little or no analysis;
describes rather than
analyzes; only answers
one part of the question
Insufficient (1-2-3)
Paper is wandering;
incoherent, has
mismatched introduction
and conclusion, or lacks
either
Good (6-7)
Adequate (4-5)
Insufficient (1-2-3)
Contains only minor errors
that do not seriously
detract from the
essay/argument; writing is
skillful
Contains some errors that
do not seriously detract
from the essay/argument;
writing is competent
Contains major errors or
numerous minor ones that
detract from the
essay/argument; writing is
inadequate; illegible
6
85
B
5.5
80
B
5
75
C
4
70
C
3
65
D
2
60
D
1
55
F