Writing First Draft

Inquiry Question

Question is strong well focused, and it is apparent how subsequent questions are related. Establishes significance of the inquiry.

Question is Good, but may be a bit broad or unfocused.

Question is evident, but too general or specific, not that significant or merely stereotypical.

Question is hard to determine or there is none

Research

Research ( at least 7-9 sources) is evident and sources are varied in terms of type and content.

Research meets criteria, but may lack depth or variety

There are not enough sources, or sources listed as Works Cited are not integrated into the essay

Sources are too few or one source is overused.

Evidence and

Analysis

Writer fully engages with source material in order to further the inquiry. There is ample evidence and analysis. Ideas and evidence are clear and well connected.

There is clear evidence and analysis but analysis may lack depth or not be as clearly related to ideas and evidence.

Too much emphasis on summary and reporting as opposed to analysis and perspective of the writer. However, the paper is not entirely reporting

Paper is merely a report of information without analysis or interpretation.

Main idea

The paper is clearly saying one thing- the perspective of the writer is clear.

Main idea is clear but may lack depth or specificity

Main idea is just somewhat apparent.

There is no idea

Organization

Organization is clear and purposeful; writer takes care of the reader by providing context, transitions among ideas as well as within the paragraphs.

Reader can follow clearly the path of inquiry.

Organization is clear and easy to follow, but may lack consistency and purpose.

Paper is hard to follow at times and needs further development.

Paper is too difficult to follow.

Significance

The reason why this matters is apparent. The writer makes the reader care.

It may be clear that the answer matters to the writer, but there is a lack of stake in the answer for the reader.

The significance of the idea is evident, but the writer hasn’t made the reader feel why it is important to the reader

So what question isn’t addressed.

Grammar

Mechanics

There is substantial control over grammar and mechanics.

Very good control over grammar and mechanics with no surface errors that impede meaning.

Grammar is inconsistent at times and occasionally ruptures meaning.

Grammar is too inconsistent and ruptures meaning significantly.

Style/Voice

The writer has a clear voice that is present in the essay. Attention to language on the sentence level is apparent.

Style and voice is consistent and clear. May lack some finesse.

Style and voice is inconsistent or lacking.

Voice is not apparent, and no attention is paid to language.

Format: In- text

Citations and

Works Cited

Paper follows MLA or APA format with properly cited in-text citations and a correctly formatted Works Cited page.

Format followed with a few errors

Format is inconsistent

No formatting or completely wrong

Revision