p2

1.

Focus: how well does the essay maintain focus on a single TSIS?

Beginning (1 point): Essay has no TSIS and shows minimal focus on a topic. Developing (2 points): Essay has focus, but no TSIS, or a TSIS, but doesn't stay focused on it. Successful (3 points): Essay shows controlling (if uneven) focus on a TSIS and has a unified purpose. Exemplary (4 points): Essay is consistently purposeful and well-focused on a TSIS.

2.

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Complexity of ideas: to what extent does the essay analytically explore the topic?

Beginning (1 pt): Esay takes on a very simple topic or oversimplifies the complexities of the topic. Developing (2 pts): Essay tackles a complex problem or question, but may not adequately address it. Successful (3 pts): Essay sufficiently addresses a complex problem but may not fully explore the complexities/connections. Exemplary (4 pts): Essay thoughtfully addresses the complexities of a question/problem that has no easy solution, or teases out the nuances of connections that are not easily pinned down.

3.

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Support: how well does the essay use evidence, both as support and as "points of departure"? Are quotes/evidence incorporated effectively and analyzed thoroughly?

Beginning (1 pt): Essay uses minimal or inappropriate evidence not clearly relevant to the controlling idea/claim. Writer does not tag/comment on/analyze the evidence. Developing (2 pts): Essay uses limited support that may not be well incorporated in support of the controlling idea/claim. Writer tags/comments/ analyzes the evidence only minimally. Successful (3pts): Essay’s support is mostly relevant and sufficiently well-analyzed; writer thoroughly introduces/ discusses each piece of evidence, although it may not always be clear who is speaking. Exemplary (4 pts): Support is consistently relevant, skillfully synthesized and thoroughly analyzed to advance the essay’s purposes. It is always clear whether a source or the writer is speaking.

4.

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Organization: to what extent is there a logical order of paragraphs/ points? Just one idea per par? Does the essay use transitions effectively?

Beginning (1 point): Essay shows minimal control of arrangement of content. At sent level, there are frequent jumps in topic without bridging devices. Developing (2 pts): Essay exhibits some basic structure, but has confusing/inconsistent arrangement of content. Uses transitions inconsistently/ineffectively Successful: Essay has a functional (maybe simplistic) arrangement of content that creates a logical order; transitions are mostly effective Exemplary: Essay demonstrates sophisticated, thoughtful arrangement of content with focused paragraphs and fluid transitions.

5.

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Style and Language: how well do your choice and arrangement of words and sentence structures create an effective tone and voice?

Beginning (1 pt): Essay exhibits minimal variety in word choice, minimal control of sentence structures. Not strategic about style, tone. Many unnecessary words/phrases (fluff factor is high) Developing (2 pts): Essay demonstrates limited word choice and control of sentence structure; style and tone inhibited but a occasional strategic choices made. Many unnecessary wds. Successful (3 pts): Essay employs strategic vocabulary and uses a variety of sentence structures; conscious if inconsistent manipulation of voice and tone. Relatively few unnecesary wds Exemplary (4 pts): Essay uses diction and syntax precisely and strategically; voice & tone are audience-specific. Each word has a purpose; none are “along for the ride.”

6.

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Conventions: to what extent do you effectively control grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation, and field-specific citation format?

Beginning (1 pt): Essay shows minimal control of grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage -- to the extent that meaning is compromised. Quote integration/ citation incorrect. Developing (2 pts): Essay shows limited control of grammar, punc, spelling, usage (frequently mistaking one word for another). Citations format inconsistent. Successful (3 pts): Sufficient control of punc, grammar/spelling/usage. Quotes well-integrated. Citations mostly adhere to conventions of field. Exemplary (4 pts): Excellent control of grammar/spelling/usage/punc. Correct citation format throughout.