CATEGORY

6 - Above Standards

5 - Meets Standards

4 - Approaching Standards

3 - Below Standards

Score

Topic Sentence (Main Idea)

The topic sentence names the topic of the essay and states the authors' opinion.

The topic sentence is missing either the topic or the author's opinion.

The topic sentence is present, but is missing both the topic and the author's opinion.

The topic sentence is not present. The paper simply begins without warming up the reader.

 

Supporting Reasons (Details)

Includes 10 or more pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples) that support the topic sentence.

Includes 8-9 pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples) that support the topic sentence.

Includes 6-7 pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples) that support the topic sentence.

Includes 5 or fewer pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, examples).

 

Conclusion

The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer's position.

The conclusion is recognizable. The author's position is restated.

The author's position is either not restated or unknown.

There is no conclusion - the paper just ends.

 

Voice

Many words express persuasive language throughout the paper. The paper is expressive and exciting.

Several words express persuasive language. The paper is exciting at times.

A few words express persuasive language. The paper only shows a glimpse of excitement.

The paper lacks any use of persuasive language or excitement.

 

Conventions

Capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and spelling are almost all correct. The paper needs very little editing.

Capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and spelling are mostly correct. The paper needs some editing.

Capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and spelling errors are evident throughout some of the paper. The paper needs moderate editing.

Capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and spelling errors are evident throughout the paper. The paper needs extensive editing.