Essay Help

Criteria

Level 5

Level 4

Level 3

Level 2

Level 1

Thesis 20 points

The essay presents clear, fully developed, distinct thesis statement that reveals stance on one the play, and indicates the direction of analysis. 

Thesis statement indicates stance, with some idea of direction toward analysis. 

Reveals stance or direction, but needs some more clarification. 

Initial thesis statement provided but needs significant development. 

Has no thesis statement or just summarizes poem. 

Development 70 points

Fully-developed points analyzing play presented. Points fully developed. Good use of quotes and close reading toward analysis with follow-through on demonstrating thesis. Includes excellent secondary sources (at least 3) into discussion effectively. Meets page requirement. 

Offers a pretty strong approach toward analysis and development of points. Good initial close reading of quotes, but could use some elaboration while focusing on demonstrating thesis statement. Integrates material from secondary sources (at least 3). Meets page requirement. 

Good start on exploring the analytical approach of the play. Has some close reading of quotes  present, but needs more development toward analysis and demonstrating thesis statement. Includes material from secondary sources, but needs to connect it to analysis, or is a missing number of sources. Slightly below page requirement. 

Offers some insight toward analysis, but needs more follow through on developing an analysis of points. Under three sources integrated into the essay. Under page requirement. 

The essay focuses on summarizing and/or responding to the story, regardless of essay length. Doesn’t include close reading, secondary sources. 

Organization 50 points

Contains an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Points follow a clear progression and flow in distinct body paragraphs. Points logically lead into each other. Strong use of transitions. 

Contains an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Most points distinct from each other, with some revising needed; however, the flow of points is pretty sound. Has some transitions, but more needed to connect points more smoothly. 

Contains a semblance of an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Some points are blurred or spread out through the essay; writing goes back and forth between points. Needs more tightening and better use of transitions. 

Points are hard to follow and lack logical flow. Few transitions are used or needs clarity. 

The direction of the essay is hard to follow and the poor distinction between points and analysis affect readability.

MLA format 30 points

Quotes and sources are properly formatted and cited. The document contains all of the following MLA formatting details: double-spacing, headers with page numbers, paragraph indents, correctly cited and formatted works cited page.

Quotes and sources are properly formatted and cited. The document contains many of the following MLA formatting details: double-spacing, headers with page numbers, paragraph indents, correctly cited and formatted works cited page.

Quotes and sources are formatted and cited but have minor errors. The document contains some of the following MLA formatting details: double-spacing, headers with page numbers, paragraph indents, correct works cited.

Quotes and sources are formatted and cited but don't follow MLA guidelines. The document contains a few of the following MLA formatting details: double-spacing, headers with page numbers, paragraph indents, correct works cited.

Document has too few elements of MLA format and/or is missing citations for quotes, sources, etc.

Grammar, Style, Mechanics 30 points

Perfectly polished and clear writing observing correct grammar, effective and clear style (concise and formal, use of third person only), with no typos.

Writing is mostly polished and clear writing mostly observing correct grammar, effective and clear style (use of concise and formal language; use of third person only), with no typos.

Writing is effective but has some areas where grammar, style, or typos need correction.

Writing contains many errors in grammar or style that affect readability.

Significant errors pervade the essay.