American Tutor

Response to Assignment Critical Thinking Organization Language Presentation

Excellent

Completely and effectively responds to all requirements of the assignment, including thesis.

Engaging and thoughtful exploration of ideas/ issues. Writer takes intellectual risks with relevant, specific, developed arguments.

Focused & logically- ordered paragraphs that flow together.

Sophisticated, vivid word choice (diction), and varied sentences that show an accurate awareness of audience.

Generally free from errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Follows MLA documentation.

Strong

Addresses assignment reqs, but responds to some tasks more effectively than others. Thesis may need slight revisions

Some depth and complexity of thoughts. Makes logical connections in analysis and has relevant arguments.

Effectively organized paragraphs with clear topic sentences & transitions.

Strong command of language with mostly clear and concise sentences.

Few errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Follows MLA documentation.

Satisfactory

Responds to assignment, but neglects some tasks. Might be slightly under page req. or thesis needs clarity.

Treats topic repetitively or only addresses the surface-level. Ideas may be underdeveloped or not linked to thesis.

Adequately organized paragraphs. May lack some topic sentences & transitions.

Imprecise use of language and might include some confusing sentences.

Occasional major or frequent minor errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Lack of attention to some aspects of MLA documentation.

Inadequate

Inadequate/ inappropriate response to assignment, including failure to meet page requirement.

Ideas are too general, lack focus, and/or development. Difficult for reader to follow thoughts.

Poorly organized and missing topic sentences & transitions.

Word choice may be questionable and include slang or “conversational” phrasing. Inadequate control of sentence structure.

Accumulation of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics that interfere with meaning. Does not follow MLA documentation.

Fail Does not respond to the assignment. Thoughts are unfocused, illogical, disjointed, or missing relevant support.

Lacks paragraphs or an organizational strategy

Lacks basic control of sentence structure and use of language.

Frequent/serious errors in grammar & usage that interferes with meaning. Does not follow MLA documentation.

English 100 Essay Rubric