Free Response Essay Rubric

Free Response Essay Rubric AP Euro Gnass

Point
Score / Thesis / Evidence / Analysis / Thoroughness / Presentation
9-8
(Superb essay)
A / Clearly stated thesis: addresses question, guides entire essay. Essay includes most significant issues relevant to question. / Abundant, relevant specifics (names, events, legislation, court decisions, etc.) Includes obscure, but important specifics, that most students omit. Thorough chronology. / Clearly addresses the terms/phrases in the question (eg, “evaluate,” “analyze,” etc.) Demonstrates
well-reasoned cause & effect;
evaluates historical change & continuity;
considers other arguments;
reaches fully explained conclusions.
Refers to views of historians. / Covers all areas of question in approximate proportions to their importance. / Uses clear, appropriate and precise diction; has cohesive organization; has very few grammatical errors. Extremely well-written.
8 A
7-6
(Strong Essay)
B / Clearly stated thesis, perhaps with only general addresses question; sets essay’s direction; essay includes some significant issues relevant to question. / Ample, appropriate specifics; some chronology. Something left out: / Includes causation; discusses change & continuity; may consider alternate arguments; reaches plausible conclusions. / Covers entire question , but may be slightly
imbalanced, i.e. gives a disproportionate amount of attention to one part of the question. / Uses clear language; is well organized; contains few grammatical errors. Reasonably well organized.
6 B-
5 C
(adequate essay—passing on AP test) / Thesis states argument on question; issues and context are mostly relevant. / Provides specific historical data, but is limited in depth, quantity, and originality. / Organizes argument and uses data to support conclusions. Recognizes causation, change, & continuity. / Covers entire question, but may have major imbalance. / Clear language; adequate organization; may have some grammatical errors.
4-2
D+
An Essay / Thesis may be clear but it doesn’t drive the essay or address the main question. Isn’t developed. May be vague. / Demonstrates some knowledge
of the topic; evidence is largely generalized. Several important details are absent. Contains historical errors. / Minimal analysis or fallacious reasoning; may be largely descriptive or narrative(Tells story with little application to question). / Attempts to cover question, but only superficially; may not complete all tasks. / May have inconsistent organization; grammatical errors hinder comprehension to a major degree.
3 D- / .
2 F
1 Sort of an essay / No sign of a thesis or does not deal effectively with the issues. / May mention a name or two, but nothing else. / Usually without analysis or explanation is off topic. / Refers to general subject or repeats part of question. / May be largely incomprehensible.

See reverse for percentage breakdown.

9=100% / 6=80% / 3=60%
8=95% / 5=75% / 2=55%
7=85% / 4=65% / 1=50% or below