Assignment essay

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INTRODUCTION

Background/History Thesis Statement

Well-developed introduction that engages the reader and creates interest in the topic. Clear thesis statement and placement of topic in historical context.

Introduction places topic in historical context. Thesis states the position.

Introduction attempts to place topic in historical context but lacks clarity.  Thesis statement unclear.

Lacks historical context, or the context is misinterpreted. No clear thesis statement.

MAIN POINTS

Development of thesis and evidence in support of it

Well-developed points that directly relate to thesis. Supporting evidence is clear, relevant, and detailed enough to inform the reader.

Points are clear but not developed in detail. Supporting evidence is relevant but not always clearly presented.

Main points are there but lack clarity. Supporting evidence not effectively linked to the main points.

Poor development of ideas.  Lack of evidence in support of points.

ORGANIZATION

Structure Transitions

Logical progression of ideas with a clear structure that enhances the thesis.  Transitions are mature and graceful.

Logical progression of ideas.  Transitions are present but not always clear enough to connect issues.

Essay does not always proceed logically. Unclear transitions. 

No discernable organization.  Lack of clear transitions.  

STYLE AND MECHANICS 

Sentence flow, variety Spelling, punctuation, capitalization  

Writing is smooth, skillful, coherent.  Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Punctuation, spelling, capitalization and grammar are correct.  

Writing is clear and sentences have some variation in structure. Some errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, and capitalization.

Writing is somewhat unclear and sentences lack variety. Major errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, capitalization. 

Writing is confusing, hard to follow.  Contains fragments and/or run-on sentences. Distracting errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, capitalization.

CONCLUSION

Conclusion effectively wraps up and goes beyond restating the thesis. 

Conclusion summarizes topics but does not explore implications.   

Conclusion is recognizable but lacks clarity and discussion of implications.

Conclusion does not summarize main points or is missing altogether.

CITATION OF SOURCES

Foot/endnotes, bibliography

Proper citation of sources with appropriate formatting of notes and bibliography.

Citation of sources and clear bibliography, some formatting errors.

Inconsistent citation of sources, and formatting errors.

Lacks source citations.