Clear criteria for essays, presentations and projects. Print a blank sheet, see a scored example or make it your own.
Each starter has three criteria worth four points each. The default is a 12-point total, with no letter grade. These are editable examples, not institutional standards. Choose expectations and scoring rules before using them with learners.
3 CRITERIA · 12 POSSIBLE POINTS
Essay rubric template
A starting point for an evidence-based argument, with separate criteria for ideas, organization and expression.
Example task: Write a short argument that answers a question, explains relevant evidence and connects the reasoning to a conclusion.
Scroll the table sideways to compare every achievement level.
Original starter rubric · total-points scoring
Criterion
Accomplished · 4
Developing · 2
Starting · 0
Ideas and evidenceScore: ____ / 4Example: 4 / 4
A clear position supported by relevant, well-explained evidence.
A position is present; some evidence needs explanation.
A position and supporting evidence are not yet demonstrated.
OrganizationScore: ____ / 4Example: 2 / 4
Ideas follow a logical sequence with purposeful transitions.
A sequence is apparent but some connections are unclear.
The sequence makes the argument difficult to follow.
ExpressionScore: ____ / 4Example: 2 / 4
Language communicates the ideas clearly and precisely.
Meaning is mostly clear; some language needs revision.
Frequent ambiguities interfere with meaning.
Before you use it: Define what counts as evidence for your subject. If citation accuracy is a separate learning goal, add a criterion rather than burying it inside expression.
Worked scoring example
The argument uses explained evidence (4), but some connections between ideas are unclear (2), and expression needs revision in places (2).
4 + 2 + 2 = 8 / 12 points = 66.67%
Example scores only. Percentage rounded half-up to two decimal places; no letter-grade scale applied.
Easy Grade Tools · https://easygradetools.com/rubric-templates/ · Editable example; adapt to your course policy.
3 CRITERIA · 12 POSSIBLE POINTS
Presentation rubric template
Assess the message, sequence and communication of a presentation without treating style preferences as learning goals.
Example task: Explain a topic to a defined audience using a clear sequence and relevant supporting examples or materials.
Scroll the table sideways to compare every achievement level.
Original starter rubric · total-points scoring
Criterion
Accomplished · 4
Developing · 2
Starting · 0
Content and supportScore: ____ / 4Example: 4 / 4
The central message is clear and supported by accurate, relevant examples.
The message is present; some support is unclear or incomplete.
The central message and examples are not yet clear.
Structure and pacingScore: ____ / 4Example: 4 / 4
The sequence and pacing help the audience follow the message.
The sequence is mostly clear; transitions or pacing need work.
The sequence or pacing makes the message difficult to follow.
CommunicationScore: ____ / 4Example: 2 / 4
Speech and supporting materials communicate clearly to the intended audience.
Communication is mostly clear; some materials or delivery need revision.
Communication frequently obscures the intended meaning.
Before you use it: Specify the audience and allowed formats. Adapt communication expectations for the task and any accommodations; do not add eye contact or accent as implicit criteria.
Worked scoring example
The message has relevant support (4) and a purposeful sequence (4). Some delivery or supporting materials need clarification (2).
4 + 4 + 2 = 10 / 12 points = 83.33%
Example scores only. Percentage rounded half-up to two decimal places; no letter-grade scale applied.
Easy Grade Tools · https://easygradetools.com/rubric-templates/ · Editable example; adapt to your course policy.
3 CRITERIA · 12 POSSIBLE POINTS
Project rubric template
Make the purpose, completed outcome and reflection visible when assessing a practical or research project.
Example task: Produce an outcome that addresses a stated purpose, keep evidence of the process and evaluate the result.
Scroll the table sideways to compare every achievement level.
Original starter rubric · total-points scoring
Criterion
Accomplished · 4
Developing · 2
Starting · 0
Purpose and reasoningScore: ____ / 4Example: 2 / 4
The work addresses the purpose, with clear reasons for important choices.
The purpose is partly addressed; some choices need explanation.
The purpose and reasons for choices are not yet evident.
Execution and evidenceScore: ____ / 4Example: 4 / 4
The outcome is complete and supported by relevant process evidence.
The outcome is partly complete; some process evidence is missing.
The outcome or process evidence is not yet demonstrated.
ReflectionScore: ____ / 4Example: 2 / 4
The reflection evaluates specific strengths, limitations and useful next steps.
Some strengths or next steps are identified without much detail.
The reflection does not yet evaluate the work.
Before you use it: Name the required outcome and the process evidence learners should provide. For group work, decide separately how individual contributions will be assessed.
Worked scoring example
Some choices need clearer reasons (2). The outcome and process evidence are complete (4), while the reflection needs more specific next steps (2).
2 + 4 + 2 = 8 / 12 points = 66.67%
Example scores only. Percentage rounded half-up to two decimal places; no letter-grade scale applied.
Easy Grade Tools · https://easygradetools.com/rubric-templates/ · Editable example; adapt to your course policy.
Turn a starter into your rubric
Match the learning goal. Keep, rename or remove criteria so they describe what the assessment is meant to show. Avoid counting the same evidence twice.
Make descriptors observable. Replace broad statements with subject-specific evidence. Explain which features distinguish each level.
Set the scoring rule. The examples use 4, 2 and 0 points. Decide whether intermediate scores are allowed, add levels if needed and explain the rule to learners.
Try sample responses. Apply the draft to a few anonymous examples. Where markers disagree, compare the evidence and clarify the descriptors.
Share, score and reuse. Share the criteria before the assessment. In the calculator, save the rubric on this device and clear scores for the next piece of work.
Points or weighted criteria?
In these templates, three equal four-point criteria each contribute one third of the total. If your policy gives evidence more influence than expression, edit the maximum points or choose weighted criteria in the calculator. Those choices can change the percentage.
For example, the essay example scores 4/4, 2/4 and 2/4: 66.67% with total points. With the calculator’s editable example weights of 40%, 35% and 25%, the same scores give 70.00%. Choose the method before grading and make it visible.
Printing and editable copies
Choose A4 or US Letter, then print only the template you need. “Print blank / Save as PDF” leaves space to mark by hand. The scored version includes the worked example. To create your own scored printout, open the template in the calculator, enter scores and use its print control.
Opening a template does not create an account or upload a rubric. Use Save on this device to keep your edits and a JSON backup to move them to another browser. Browser data can be cleared; keep a backup of work you rely on.
Carnegie Mellon’s Eberly Center explains how explicit criteria and performance descriptions can clarify expectations and support consistent marking. See its guide to grading and performance rubrics for further context. The templates on this page are our original examples; they are not endorsed by the university.