noun

rubric

ROO-brik/ˈruːbrɪk/

Instructions governing the conduct or assessment of an activity.

The evaluator uses a rubric to judge the stool's stability and finish.

An evaluator judges a handmade wooden stool using a visible criteria-and-score grid, comparing the stool's stability and finish with the standards on the sheet.

Etymology

rubricLatinred ochre, red coloring matter

Red coloring matter gave its name to religious-service directions written in red ink. From such directions, rubric broadened to a general rule, underlying its use for a standard of judgment.

In context

SNHU0:39

a rubric is a document that tells you what criteria the instructor will use to grade your work

5 Techniques for Crushing Your Discussion Board Assignments

More examples

Our presentation rubric gives equal weight to research and delivery.
The competition's rubric requires each team to explain its design.
Students review the grading rubrics before starting their projects.

Forms

rubric · rubrics

Similar words

criteria: Names individual standards for judging rather than a structured guide.
guidelines: Usually offers flexible advice rather than detailed scoring standards.
rules: Emphasizes required conduct rather than standards for evaluating work.