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MI Essay Rubric
1 (12 Points)

Criteria

One to three of the MIs

are listed, and one to
two are explained

2 (14 Points)

3 (16 Points)

Four to seven of the MIs All eight of the MIs are

are listed, and three to
listed, and five to seven
four are explained.
are explained.

4 (18 Points)

5 (20 Points)

All eight of the MIs are

explained thoroughly,
and examples of
Content I
strengths and
Info about the eight MIs
characteristics of each
are given.
The top MI is listed, but The top MI is listed along The top two MIs are
The top three MIs are
More than the top three
no testimonies are
with testimony from at
listed along with
listed along with
MIs are listed along with
included. Very few
least one person. A few testimony from two other testimony from two other testimony from more
Content II strengths or struggles strengths or struggles of people. Only strengths people. Strengths and than two other people.
Top three MIs, testimony are addressed. One of that MI are addressed. OR struggles of those
struggles of those MIs
Strengths and struggles
from two people,
the Bible verses is
The Bible verses are
MIs are addressed. The are addressed. The
of those MIs are
strengths and struggles, mentioned, but not
mentioned, but not
Bible verses are
Bible verses are
addressed. The listed
Bible verses
explained.
explained.
mentioned, but only one explained.
Bible verses plus
is explained.
another, on-topic
passage are explained.
Essay has five or more Essay has four minor
Essay has three minor
Essay includes all
Essay includes the
minor elements incorrect elements incorrect (see elements incorrect (see elements. Two minor
proper hook (quote), a
(see Level 4), and/or
Level 4), and/or two
Level 4), and/or one
elements may be
subject, a clear thesis,
three or more elements elements are missing.
element is missing.
incorrect, like a different the correct number of
are missing.
hook (quote), a missing properly ordered body
Format
subject, out of order
paragraphs, a link to the
Elements: Quote,
body paragraphs, a link hook (quote), a properly
Subject, Thesis, Body
that does not properly
ordered restatement of
Paragraphs, Link,
relate to the hook
the thesis, a powerful
Restate Thesis, Twist,
(quote), an out of order twist, and a unique title
Title
thesis restatement, a
that uses words that
weak twist, or the title
come from the twist.
contains words that are
not from the twist.
There are more than six There are five or six
mechanical errors per
mechanical errors per
Spelling, Capitalization, paragraph.
paragraph.
Punctuation, Usage,
Repeats (words or
beginnings or ideas)

Mechanics

Understanding
and Creativity
Communicating the
Topic in a Clear and
Clever Way

Points Possible
Points Achieved

All eight of the MIs are

explained.

There are three or four

mechanical errors per
paragraph.

There are one or two

mechanical errors per
paragraph.

There are zero

mechanical errors per
paragraph.

Essay demonstrates a
misunderstanding of the
material by not including
concrete language or
ideas. The descriptions
of the MIs and ideas are
wrong or missing
altogether. The content
is presented in a fashion
that is unreadable,
confusing, and/or
uninteresting.

Essay demonstrates a
limited understanding of
the material by not
including concrete
language and/or having
simple ideas. The
descriptions of the MIs
and ideas contain many
errors and/or are mostly
unclear. The content is
presented in a fashion
that is confusing and/or
uninteresting.

Essay demonstrates a
developing
understanding of the
material by including
some concrete language
and average ideas. The
description of the MIs
and ideas contain some
errors and/or are
somewhat unclear. The
content is presented in a
readable fashion that is
fairly basic or
uninteresting.

Essay demonstrates a
clear understanding of
the topic by including
concrete language and
complex ideas. The
descriptions of the MIs
and ideas are correct
and easy to understand.
The content is presented
in a readable fashion
that is interesting.

Essay demonstrates a
mastery of the topic by
including concrete
language and complex
ideas that go beyond
what was covered in
class. The descriptions
of the MIs and ideas are
correct, easy to
understand, and include
insightful additions. The
content is presented in a
readable fashion that is
interesting and creative.
A variety of literary
devices is included.

60 = D-

70 = C-

80 = B-

90 = A-

100 = A+

Total

Grade