biology

Essay Grading Rubric

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Criteria Excellent Adequate Needs Work In

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Title, Introduction, Conclusion

Clear Title Page with Title that includes the subject.matter ; engaging introduction that prepares the reader accurately for the body paragraphs; thought-provoking or interesting conclusion that ties everything back together and takes the Point of View further

Most but not all of the qualities listed under "Excellent" - there may be roughness or confusion in the introduction or conclusion

No title; introduction and/or conclusion seem to have little to do with the body of the essay

Format

Excels by responding to the assignment with a clear summary of the topic and the student's Point of View.

Has a clearly stated argumentative thesis that the paper basically focuses on.

Thesis is implied or absent, or is stated, but the paper doesn't connect back to it

Organization

one main idea per paragraph, good use of transitions, clear topic sentences, smooth connections between paragraphs, if an order is set in the introduction, it is followed

mostly one idea or point per paragraph, some transitions, mostly clear topic sentences, okay connections between paragraphs

many ideas per paragraph, missing topic sentences, abrupt transition, and/or missing or rough connections between paragraphs

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Development: Support

Uses specific, concrete, relevant details, examples, evidence and numerous references to source material to substantiate and explain thesis

uses support, but it may be insufficient in some areas, or connections between the evidence and ideas might not be clear

lacks sufficient details and examples to support ideas; has insufficient or irrelevant evidence

Development: AnalysisDevelopment: Analysis

explains the connections between evidence and main ideas thoughtfully and thoroughly makes connectionshly, makes connec ons explicit, discusses implications, relevance or significance.

mostly explains connections between ideas and evidence, although explanation may be incomplete or may be missingincomplete, or may be mi ing in some paragraphs. Little discussion of facts and info

does not clearly explain connections between evidence and ideas; does not elaborate beyond basic or obvious conclusionsor obvious conclusions, and/or analysis is too general or brief to be convincing

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Sentence Craft & Style

Demonstrates excellent use of language; precisely chosen words, complex and varied sentence structure; appropriate tone and style

adequate use of language, although some words may be vague or imprecise; sentence structure may be simple or awkward in spots, mostly appropriate tone and style

vague and abstract language; words misused; sentences may be monotonous or choppy tone or style may be inappropriate for the assignment

Mechanics: (Grammar and spelling)

is almost entirely free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors (one per page or less)

contains a few errors which may distract the reader put not impede meaning (about 2-3 errors per page)

has frequent or extensive errors in diction grammar, punctuation, spelling (more than 4 errors per page)

Mechanics: MLA

Has smoothly used signal phrases and parenthetical citation in-text; has a citation for every fact or quote; has correctly formatted Works Cited page with few or no errors

mostly cites in-text correctly, but doesn't introduce citations smoothly or uses signal phrases/parenthetical citation inaccurately; Works Cited page has more than a few errors

missing many in-text citations, missing Works Cited page, Works cited page contains only URLs or has other significant omissions or errors