4-5 Page Essay

Content

15

10

5

1

90 total

Introduction

Well-developed introduction that engages readers and creates interest. Identifies a compelling, controversial issue/topic

Contains detailed background information on said topic.

Introduction creates interest.

Identifies a controversial issue/topic

Provides some background information.

Needs minor work.

Introduction is adequate, but does not catch the reader’s attention and/or does not clearly set up the purpose of the paper. Needs moderate work.

.

Introduction is inadequate and/or needs major work. Writer does not attempt to create interest. Background details are a random collection of information, unclear, or not related. Introduction is missing.

Thesis Statement

Clear thesis statement that identifies the main reasons that will support the position and direct the reader toward the point of the paper.

Thesis statement is arguable and the writer takes a clear stance.

Clear thesis statement is present, but may be lacking one reason or could be more engaging and/or direct.

Thesis statement is arguable

Thesis is vague and unclear. It requires effort on the part of the reader to discern the point of the paper and the reasons supporting your position.

Thesis is not arguable

Stance is unclear and vague

No thesis present, or thesis is so inadequate that the point of the paper is completely unclear.

Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs include a topic sentence that connects to thesis and states the main focus of paragraph

Well-developed/relevant examples, details, and evidence.

The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are relevant and enhance the explanation of the content.

It is clear and focused, demonstrates original thought/reflection/insight. It holds the reader’s attention.

The paper effectively covers the topic.

Body paragraphs support thesis with examples, details, and evidence

The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are relevant and adequately explain the content.

It is reasonably clear and focused, and the writer goes beyond the superficial or obvious. It holds the reader’s attention. On the whole, accurate details or clear thoughts are present to support the main idea (reasons).

. It effectively covers the topic.

Topic Sentences are vague and unclear

Body paragraphs offer adequate support to thesis, but examples, details, and support do not go far enough.

The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are present, but does not enhance and/or explain the content or demonstrate thought/reflection/analysis or specifics.

Lacks full development of ideas.

No topic sentences present

Inadequate number of major points/reasons. Body paragraphs inadequately support the thesis, and examples, details, and quotes are significantly underdeveloped.

The writer’s insight, analysis, and/or interpretations are weak, inadequate, or missing.

. It shows no clear sense of purpose and does not reveal reflection. The text reads like a collection of disconnected thoughts.

Counter

Argument and Rebuttal

Student clearly and fully explains, through evidence and data, at least one to two counterargument(s) and persuasively refutes it with a solid and supported rebuttal.

Student explains, through evidence and data at least one counterargument and provides a rebuttal for said counterargument with adequate support.

Student inadequately explains at least one counterargument, and the evidence is not relative or supportive of the counterarg. The rebuttal lacks support and evidence, and is inappropriate or irrelevant to the counterargument.

Student fails to provide at least one counterargument and rebuttal in the essay.

Quotations

Correctly incorporates summaries and paraphrases

All quotes are introduced and integrated seamlessly into writing.

All quotes are thoroughly explained and analyzed.

Quotes do not dominate the writer’s voice

Uses at least three sources

Correctly incorporates summaries and paraphrases.

2-3 quotes are not introduced and integrated.

2-3 quotes are not explained and analyzed.

Quotes and writer’s voice are equally balanced. Uses 2 sources

Use of summary or paraphrase is vague or unclear.

4-5 quotes are not introduced and integrated

4-5 quotes are not explained and analyzed.

Quotes dominate writer’s voice

Uses 1 source

Does not summarize or paraphrase from sources

Does not attribute or explain/analyze quotes.

Uses no outside sources.

Conclusion

Powerful/moving conclusion wraps up/gives closure to the main position of the paper, and goes beyond restating the thesis/intro. Conclusion summarizes without repeating.

Conclusion effectively wraps up/gives closure to the main position of the paper, and goes beyond restating the thesis/intro. Conclusion summarizes main topics/reasons.

Conclusion only summarizes the main position and simply restates the thesis/intro. It is adequate.

Conclusion is inadequate. It does not effectively wrap up the paper or it is missing

Citations and Works Cited

10

7

4

1

10 total

Full and accurate works cited entries and in-text citations are provided

(0-2 errors)

3-6 errors in works cited or in-text citations

7-9 errors in works cited or in-text citations

10+ errors in works cited or in-text citations

Organization

10

7

4

1

20 total

Structure

Logical progression of ideas with a clear structure that enhances the thesis. Transitions are smooth.

Logical progression of ideas. Transitions are present throughout the essay.

Organization is clear. Transitions are present

No discernible organization. Transitions are not present.

Style

Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Diction is consistent and words are well chosen.

Written in a scholarly 3rd person tone

Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. Diction is consistent.

Changes point of view once or twice.

Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. Diction is appropriate.

Changes point of view 3+ times

Writing is confusing or hard to follow. Inappropriate

Not written in 3rd person

Mechanics/

Grammar

10

6

3

1

20 total

Punctuation, spelling, capitalization , word choice, S/V; tense, etc.

Punctuation, spelling, and capitalization are correct. No errors.

Punctuation, spelling, and capitalization are generally correct with few errors (1-2)

A few errors in punctuation, spelling, capitalization (3-4)

Distracting errors in punctuation, spelling, and capitalization

Fragments

0-1 sentence fragments

2 fragments

3-4 fragments

5+ fragments

Comma splices and run-ons

0-1 comma splices or run-ons

2 comma splices and/or run-ons

3-4 comma splices and/or run-ons

5+ comma splices and/or run-ons

Formatting

10

6

3

1

5 total

12 point font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins, correct header, double-spaced, title.

No errors

1-2 errors

3-4 errors

5+ errors

If the paper is less than 2 full pages, you will receive a zero.

If the paper is more than 2 pages but less than 3, 50 points will be deducted.

If the paper is more than 3 pages but less than 4, 25 points will be deducted.

Comments:

Grade: _________