Build a Rubric for Any Assignment

What You'll Get

A 4-level rubric with clear descriptors for each criterion — ready to share with students and use for grading.

The Prompt

Create a 4-level rubric for a [grade] [assignment type — e.g., "argumentative essay" or "science lab report"]. Criteria: [list 3-5 criteria]. Use these performance levels: Exceeds, Meets, Approaching, Beginning. Format as a table.

Tips

The "Exceeds" column is often too vague in the first draft — follow up with "rewrite Exceeds to describe a specific, concrete example of exceptional work for each criterion." Share the rubric with students before they start; that consistently improves the quality of what you get back.