Free tool · Rubric builder

Free rubric builder for any subject and any curriculum

Start from one of nine templates, from a classic 4-level rubric to GCSE mark bands and IB criteria, and make it yours. Print it, paste it into Google Docs or Word, or let xedu write a whole assignment around it.

Build a rubric

Free · No signup to build · Your rubric stays in your browser

Build your rubric

Five steps. Everything updates the finished rubric at the bottom as you type.

Start from a template

Every part is editable afterwards. Switching template replaces the rubric below.

3. Levels

Highest first. Leave points empty for a rubric without scores.

4. Criteria and descriptors

For each criterion, describe what work at each level looks like. Specific beats general: “uses three pieces of evidence” is easier to mark than “good evidence”.

5. Your rubric

Persuasive essayTotal: 16 points
CriterionExceeds4 ptsMeets3 ptsApproaching2 ptsBeginning1 pts
ArgumentA clear, original position held through every paragraph.A clear position, mostly held throughout.A position is stated but drifts or contradicts itself.No clear position.
EvidenceWell-chosen evidence for every point, explained and linked to the argument.Relevant evidence for most points, with some explanation.Some evidence, often unexplained or loosely linked.Little or no evidence.
OrganizationParagraphs build on each other; transitions guide the reader.Logical order with clear paragraphs.Some order, but ideas jump around.Hard to follow.
LanguagePrecise, varied language with almost no errors.Clear language with a few errors that don’t block meaning.Frequent errors that sometimes block meaning.Errors make much of it hard to read.

Now put it to work

xedu can write a full assignment built around this rubric, or mark a student’s work against it. Free to start.

Mark student work against it, with Thoth

Templates

Nine starting points

  • Classic 4-level

    Exceeds, meets, approaching, beginning.

  • Points

    Marks per criterion that add up.

  • Single-point

    What success looks like, notes either side.

  • Holistic

    One overall score.

  • Standards-based (1–4)

    Proficiency per standard, common in US schools.

  • GCSE / A-level mark bands

    Levels with mark ranges, for extended answers.

  • IB PYP

    A developmental continuum.

  • IB MYP

    Criteria with bands 0 to 8.

  • IB DP

    Criteria with markbands.

xedu is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, Pearson or the College Board.

Before you hand it out

What makes a rubric easy to mark

  • Describe what you’d see, not how good it is. “Uses three relevant quotes” is quicker to mark than “good use of evidence”.
  • Keep criteria separate. If two criteria always get the same level, merge them.
  • Change one thing between levels. Students should be able to see exactly what moves them up.
  • Three to five criteria is plenty for most tasks. More than that and marking slows down.
  • Use the same words as the task. If the question says evaluate, the top level should reward a judgement.
  • Share it before the work starts, not after. A rubric is most useful as a guide, not a verdict.

Questions

Common questions

Is the rubric builder free?

Yes. Build, print and copy as many rubrics as you like, with no account. You only sign up if you want xedu to write an assignment around your rubric or mark work against it.

What happens when I click “Write an assignment for this rubric”?

You sign in or create a free teacher account, pick a class, and the assignment generator opens with your rubric attached. It writes the task, questions and instructions to fit your criteria, and the assignment is graded against your rubric. For IB MYP and PYP classes you choose whether to grade with your rubric or with the class’s own criteria.

Can I use the official IB or exam-board descriptors?

The IB and exam-board templates give you the structure: the criteria, bands and mark ranges. The official descriptor wording belongs to the IB and the boards, so we don’t reproduce it. Write descriptors for your task in your own words, using your subject guide or mark scheme as the reference.

Is my rubric saved?

It’s kept in this browser so you can come back to it, and it never leaves your device unless you send it to xedu. Clearing your browser data removes it.

What’s the difference between an analytic and a single-point rubric?

An analytic rubric describes every level of every criterion, which makes marking fast and consistent. A single-point rubric only describes what success looks like and leaves space either side for comments, which suits feedback-heavy work like drafts and projects.

Grade against your rubric, automatically

xedu marks student work against your rubric and drafts the feedback. You confirm every grade.

Start free

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