English essay

A B C D F Masters Requirement Exceeds Requirement Meets Requirement Misses Requirement Fails Requirement

Thesis / Focus

Thesis/topic sentences are compelling, complex, and focused, consistently demonstrating mastery of the topic and an awareness of the audience.

Thesis and topic sentences answer the prompt effectively by keeping the writer's point as the primary focus throughout the paper and engaging the complexities of the topic.

Essay presents a central idea that answers the prompt and maintains the writer's point through the paper in an adequate way, though the thesis may be simple or formulaic.

Essay presents an assumed or implied central idea, though it may not take the form of a standard thesis or topic sentences. Summary may substitute for the thesis.

Essay describes or summarizes rather than presents a central idea. Ideas may be disconnected or missing.

Organization

Essay has an exemplary structure; paragraphs progress logically. The flow of sentences within the paragraphs enhances the writer's argument.

Paragraphs are well- organized, with an effective logical structure. Sentences within the paragraphs flow effectively, supporting the thesis/topic sentences.

Paragraphs are organized, with adequate unity and coherence. Paragraphs should include transitions, topic sentences, explanation and support, and a conclusion.

Paragraphs have a point, but the logical structure connecting them is unclear.

Organization is not apparent in the paper. Internal paragraph structure and global structure are difficult to follow.

Argument

Paper develops a compelling argument with insight, using in- depth analysis, counter-argument and a variety of rhetorical modes.

Paper demonstrates effective analysis, with insights drawn from multiple perspectives and rhetorical modes. Presents counterargument.

The paper supports the thesis with adequate evidence and analysis. Paper may attempt to develop insight.

Paper presents a confused or implied discussion of the subject. Summary may be used as a substitute for argument. Writing may discuss the topic generally rather than sustain an argument.

Development and analysis do not meet the requirements of the assignment. Essay lacks an understandable sense of paragraphing.

Research / Support

Essay uses compelling support from reliable sources to support the thesis in depth, cited correctly according to current MLA guidelines.

Essay demonstrates effective support using multiple examples drawn from credible sources. Citation is mostly correct throughout the paper.

Paper supports its claims with adequate research and/or examples. Outside sources are formatted and cited, though errors may be present.

Essay supports thesis with unreliable sources or inappropriate evidence. Sources integrated poorly or not at all. MLA citation and formatting are missing or not attempted.

Essay fails to include sources and/or does not integrate sources. Paper may include plagiarism.

Grammar / Style

Overall, grammar and style are pleasing to read, enhancing the writer's argument and persuasiveness of the paper. Errors, if any, have negligible impact on readability.

Essay uses clear sentences with some variety. Writing may include some minor errors, but overall it is fluent.

Sentence-level grammar, usage, and mechanics are comprehensible. Writing may reveal several errors that have little effect on readability.

Essay contains sentences with numerous significant errors in punctuation, syntax, spelling, and/or diction that impede meaning.

Essay contains sentences with frequent and significant errors that block understanding.

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