Analytical Essay Rubric — ICSE Class 9 English
Topic: “Is social media good for teenagers?” | Total: 20 marks | 4 criteria × 4 performance levels
| Criterion | Exemplary (full marks) | Proficient | Developing | Beginning |
Thesis & argument
5 marks | Clear, debatable thesis stated early; a consistent point of view runs through the whole essay. (5) | A clear stand is taken; argument mostly stays on track with minor drift. (4) | A position is implied but not clearly stated; argument wanders. (2–3) | No clear stand; the essay lists points without an argument. (0–1) |
Evidence & reasoning
5 marks | Each point backed by relevant examples or reasons; counter-view acknowledged and answered. (5) | Most points supported with examples; reasoning is sound. (4) | Some points unsupported; examples are vague or repeated. (2–3) | Opinions stated with little or no support. (0–1) |
Structure & coherence
5 marks | Clear introduction, body and conclusion; paragraphs linked with smooth connectives. (5) | Logical paragraph order; a few weak links between ideas. (4) | Some paragraphing, but order feels random in places. (2–3) | One block of text with little structure. (0–1) |
Language & mechanics
5 marks | Varied vocabulary and sentence types; grammar, spelling and punctuation almost error-free. (5) | Mostly accurate; a few slips that don’t hinder meaning. (4) | Repeated errors in grammar/spelling; meaning sometimes unclear. (2–3) | Frequent errors make the essay hard to follow. (0–1) |
Worked example — how one paragraph maps to the rubric
“Social media is bad for teenagers. My friends use Instagram all day and they get distracted from studies. So I think it is not good and students should not use it during exams.”
| Criterion | Level | Marks | Feedback for the student |
| Thesis & argument | Proficient | 4 | A clear stand is taken in the first line — good. State it as a fuller thesis next time. |
| Evidence & reasoning | Developing | 2 | One personal example only; add a second reason and consider the other side of the argument. |
| Structure & coherence | Developing | 2 | Ideas are linked but cramped into one short paragraph; split into intro, body and conclusion. |
| Language & mechanics | Proficient | 4 | Sentences are correct but simple; try a few connectives like ‘however’ and ‘therefore’. |
| Total | 12 / 20 | Solid stand, but back it with stronger evidence and proper paragraphing to move up a band. |
Sample generated by Inforida Orbit. You can rename criteria, change mark bands and edit every comment before sharing. Final marks always stay in the teacher’s control.
