Final Writing Assignment

EXCELLENT

SATISFACTORY

WEAK

IDEAS 10%

Title: The essay’s title suggests the subject and sparks interest.

Thesis Statement:

The persuasive essay’s thesis clearly states what the writer will argue for or against.

Support: The thesis statement is supported with solid reasons: facts, examples, cited authorities, consequences, answers to the opposition. The writer avoids invalid or emotional arguments.

Unity: All paragraphs relate to the thesis statement. The essay does not include irrelevant reasons or information.

ORGANIZATION 40%

Introduction: The opening paragraph catches the reader’s interest, provides background, and states the thesis.

Order:

The reasons are logically arranged.

Coherence: Paragraphs are linked with repetition, references to preceding words or ideas, transitional expressions, and transitional sentences.

Conclusion: The final paragraph provides an interesting and satisfying ending.

STYLE 40%

Language:

Wording is exact, concise, and fresh.

APA style is used correctly including evidence of intext citations and reference page

Sentences:

Sentences are varied in length and type.

MECHANICS 10%

Grammar and Punctuation: Sentences are free of errors. (See error patterns marked below.)

Spelling: Sentences are free of errors. (See error patterns marked below.)

COMMENTS

ERROR PATTERNS

Sentence fragments Consistent tense Consistent number/person

Run-on sentences Pronoun agreement Apostrophes

Comma splices Parallelism Capitalization

Subject-verb agreement Nouns Quotations

Past tense verbs Adjectives/adverbs Spelling

Past participles Articles Look-alikes/sound-alikes

Verb tenses Prepositions Word form

Verbs with gerunds and infinitives Commas Other: __________________