2. Types of Rubrics
In higher education, the most commonly used are holistic and analytic rubrics.
A holistic rubric allows for a quick, overall assessment of a student’s work. Evaluation is based on the general impression of the quality of the work in relation to predefined performance levels. The assessment is not broken down into individual criteria, so the feedback provided is general.
Example:
Holistic rubric for essay assessment – Topic: Causes of the First World War
|
Performance Level |
Description of Achievement |
|
5 – Excellent |
The essay clearly and precisely explains multiple causes of the First World War, offering in-depth analysis and connecting political, economic, and social factors. Arguments are well structured, clearly presented, and supported with relevant sources. The writing style is academic and grammatically accurate. The essay demonstrates exceptional understanding of the topic. |
|
4 – Very Good |
The essay covers the main causes of the First World War with understandable analysis and examples. Argumentation is logical and supported by basic sources. The writing style is good, with minor linguistic errors. The essay shows very good understanding of the topic. |
|
3 – Good |
The essay lists the basic causes of the First World War, but the analysis is superficial or partly unclear. Structure and arguments are present, but uneven. Occasional lack of sources and more frequent linguistic mistakes. The essay shows basic understanding of the topic. |
|
2 – Satisfactory |
The essay deals with the topic superficially and/or omits key causes. Argumentation is weak or unclear, lacking logical coherence. Insufficient use of sources and a larger number of language and grammatical errors. The essay shows limited understanding of the topic. |
|
1 – Unsatisfactory |
The essay does not address the assigned topic or is extremely superficial. Argumentation and analysis are absent, and sources are not used. Numerous grammatical errors are present. The essay does not demonstrate understanding of the topic. |
An analytic rubric assesses student work using several clearly defined criteria. Each criterion is evaluated according to multiple performance levels. This type of rubric offers students clear information about what they did well and where they can improve.
Analytic rubric for an essay – Topic: Causes of the First World War
|
Criterion |
4 – Excellent |
3 – Good |
2 – Satisfactory |
1 – Unsatisfactory |
|
1. Content and Understanding |
All main causes of the war are covered with clear analysis and connections. Demonstrates deep understanding of the historical context. |
Main causes are addressed with basic analysis and partial connections. Demonstrates good understanding of the topic. |
Some causes are listed, but the analysis is superficial or partly incorrect. Connections are limited. |
Themes are incorrect or extremely superficial. Demonstrates insufficient or inaccurate understanding. |
|
2. Argumentation and Structure |
Clear, logical, and well-structured argumentation with introduction, development, and conclusion. Each claim is supported by examples. |
Mostly clear structure. Most arguments are logical, although some parts are less developed. |
Structure is present but uneven. Arguments are often unclear or unconvincing. |
The essay is disorganised. Arguments are inconsistent or absent. There is no clear connection between text sections. |
|
3. Use of Sources and Literature |
Relevant academic sources are used and correctly cited. Demonstrates the ability to use sources critically. |
Appropriate sources are used and mostly correctly cited. |
Some sources are used, but not cited consistently. Occasional incorrect citation. |
Lack of sources or inadequate use of them. Sources are not cited or incorrectly referenced. |
|
4. Language and Writing Style |
Academic style, clear and precise language. No grammatical or spelling errors. |
Mostly academic style, with some minor inconsistencies. A few language errors. |
Language is occasionally unclear, with more frequent grammatical and spelling errors. |
Language and style are inappropriate for academic writing. Numerous language and spelling errors. |
Comparison table: Holistic vs. Analytic Rubric
|
Feature |
Holistic Rubric |
Analytic Rubric |
|
Structure |
Single overall assessment |
Assessment by multiple criteria and levels |
|
Number of criteria |
Not presented separately |
Each criterion is evaluated separately |
|
Level of detail |
Low |
High |
|
Feedback |
General |
Detailed and targeted |
|
Time required for use and evaluation |
Shorter |
Longer |
|
Purpose |
Mainly summative assessment |
Formative and summative assessment |
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