Final Essay

Exceeds (3)

Meets (2)

nearly meets (1)

IDEAS & CONTENT

Purpose and main ideas: clear, focused and interesting

Supporting details:

· Relevant, carefully selected details

· Makes connections and shares insights

IDEAS & CONTENT

Purpose and main ideas: clear and focused

Supporting details:

· General or limited in places

· Some connections and insights are present

IDEAS & CONTENT

Purpose and main ideas: overly broad or simplistic

Supporting details:

· Limited, off-topic, predictable or too general

· Connections and insights are missing

ORGANIZATION

Order and structure are strong and move the reader through the text.

· Effective sequencing and paragraph breaks

· Introduction: inviting beginning that draws the reader in

· Conclusion: Satisfying sense of resolution or closure

· Smooth, effective transitions among all elements (sentences, paragraphs, ideas).

ORGANIZATION

Organization is clear; order and structure are present.

· Clear sequencing and paragraph breaks; organization is predictable.

· Introduction: recognizable, developed

· Conclusion: developed

· A variety of transitions used.

· Details that fit where placed.

ORGANIZATION

Overall structure is inconsistent or skeletal.

· Some sequencing and paragraphs breaks; order of ideas may be unclear.

· Introduction: too short, obvious or ineffective (e.g., “My topic is…”).

· Conclusion: too short, obvious or ineffective.

· Transitions are infrequent, ineffective or repetitive.

· Placement of details is not always effective.

WORD CHOICE

Employs a broad range of words, which have been carefully chosen and thoughtfully placed for impact.

· Accurate, specific words; word choices energize the writing.

· Fresh, vivid expression; slang, if used, seems purposeful and is effective.

· Words and phrases are striking and varied, but are natural and not overdone.

· Words that evoke clear images; figurative language, if used, enhances the message.

WORD CHOICE

Employs a variety of words that are functional and appropriate to audience and purpose.

· Expression that is accurate and effective.

· Words and phrases are natural.

· Descriptive, figurative, or technical language, if used, is appropriate and effective.

WORD CHOICE

Does not employ a variety of words, producing a “generic” paper filled with familiar words and phrases. Language lacks precision and variety, or is inappropriate to audience and purpose.

· Expression is ordinary or general; slang, if used, is not purposeful or effective.

· Words and phrases are often forced or misused.

· Reliance on clichés.

SENTENCE FLUENCY

Writing has an easy flow and rhythm. Sentences are carefully crafted, with strong and varied structure.

· Sentence beginnings: sentences begin in different ways, adding interest.

· Sentence lengths: a variety of lengths that add interest.

· Sentence patterns: a variety of complex patterns that add interest.

· Stylistic control: dialogue, if used, sounds natural.

SENTENCE FLUENCY

Writing is easy to read aloud; sounds natural; variety of sentence beginnings, lengths and patterns.

· Sentence beginnings: most sentences begin in different ways. Some repetition detracts from overall impact.

· Sentence lengths: some sentences are shorter; some are longer. Some repetition detracts from overall impact.

· Sentence patterns: somewhat varied. Some control over more complex sentences.

· Dialogue: if used, most sounds natural.

SENTENCE FLUENCY

Some parts are easy to read aloud; occasional awkward constructions force the reader to slow down.

· Sentence beginnings: many sentences begin the same way.

· Sentence lengths: many sentences are the same length.

· Sentence patterns: many are the same. Little control over more complex sentences.

· Dialogue: does not sound natural.

CONVENTIONS

Strong control of conventions; uses conventions effectively to enhance readability. Errors are few and minor.

· Correct grammar and usage that contribute to clarity and style.

· Skill in using a wide range of conventions.

· Little need for editing.

CONVENTIONS

Control of conventions. Minor errors do not impede readability.

· Control over conventions used, although a wide range is not demonstrated.

· Correct end-of-sentence punctuation; internal punctuation is sometimes incorrect.

· Moderate need for editing.

CONVENTIONS

Limited control of conventions. Errors begin to impede readability.

· Some control over basic conventions; text is too simple or too short to reveal proficiency.

· End-of-sentence punctuation is usually correct; however, internal punctuation contains frequent errors.

· Spelling errors that distract the reader.

· Capitalization errors.

· Significant need for editing.