Grading Rubric
Understanding how your essays are evaluated using MLA standards
All essays must follow MLA format
Your citations will be evaluated using MLA (Modern Language Association) standards. This includes proper in-text citations and a correctly formatted Works Cited page.
View MLA Citation Guide97%+
Exceptional - Exceeds all expectations
93%+
Excellent - Meets all expectations with distinction
90%+
Very Good - Meets expectations with minor areas for growth
87%+
Good - Meets most expectations
83%+
Satisfactory - Meets basic expectations
80%+
Acceptable - Meets minimum expectations
77%+
Developing - Approaching expectations
73%+
Needs Improvement - Below expectations
Understanding of topic, depth of analysis, clarity of argument
Use of sources, quality of evidence, proper citation format
Spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, word choice
Organization, structure, paragraph development, professional presentation
Content & Analysis
Understanding of topic, depth of analysis, clarity of argument
Exceptional understanding with insightful, original analysis. Argument is clear, compelling, and well-supported.
Strong understanding with clear analysis. Argument is well-developed and supported.
Good understanding but analysis could be more developed. Argument is clear with minor weaknesses.
Basic understanding with limited analysis. Argument is present but may be unclear in places.
Limited understanding with minimal analysis. Argument is weak or difficult to follow.
Poor understanding. Argument is missing or incoherent.
Does not address the prompt or shows complete lack of understanding.
In-Text Citations
- ✓Use author's last name or website name: (Smith) or (National Geographic)
- ✓Place citation at end of sentence, before period: text (Source).
- ✓Use quotation marks for direct quotes
- ✓Cite at least 2 different sources
Works Cited Page
- ✓Center "Works Cited" at the top
- ✓Alphabetize entries by first word
- ✓Include access date for all websites
- ✓Use hanging indent format
To Get an A
- • Develop a clear, compelling thesis
- • Support all claims with evidence from sources
- • Use proper MLA format for all citations
- • Include a correctly formatted Works Cited page
- • Proofread for grammar and spelling
- • Use clear paragraph structure with transitions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Forgetting to cite sources or using wrong format
- • Using URLs as in-text citations (use author/site name)
- • Missing Works Cited page
- • Writing fewer than 3 paragraphs
- • Not answering the prompt directly
- • Forgetting access dates on website citations