Prompt library
Generate a rubric students can self-check against
Adverb-free level descriptions are the difference between a rubric and a vibe: levels described by observable behavior grade consistently across raters and days. The self-check rewrite turns the rubric from a grading tool into a teaching tool at zero extra cost.
Last reviewed July 17, 2026
The prompt
Create a rubric for this assignment.
Assignment: {{assignment}}
Level: {{level}}
Requirements:
1. 4-6 criteria, each naming an observable quality of the work, not of the student. "Argument uses evidence" is a criterion; "effort" is not.
2. 4 performance levels per criterion. Describe each level with what the work DOES ("cites two sources but does not connect them to the claim"), never with adverbs ("adequately cites").
3. The levels must be distinguishable by a student: write them so two students comparing their drafts to the rubric would agree on the level. That is the test of a usable rubric.
4. Weight the criteria and say why the heaviest one is heaviest.
5. Add a self-check version: the rubric rewritten as 5-7 yes/no questions students answer before submitting.
End with the one criterion instructors at this level most often grade on but forget to put in rubrics.Run in idaptOpens a new chat with the prompt prefilled. Nothing sends until you press send.
Fill in the variables
| Variable | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| {{assignment}} | The assignment | a 5-paragraph persuasive essay on a local issue |
| {{level}} | Course or grade level | 9th grade English |