CATEGORY

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Focus on Topic and Mode: 25

20-25 - Essay compares and contrasts two issues, arguments, subjects, or items in depth and clearly. At least 1.75 2-sp. pages.

15-19 - Essay compares and contrasts two issues, arguments, subjects, or items--but at times superficially and unclearly. At least 1.75 2-sp. pages.

10-14 - Essay partially compares and/or contrasts two issues, arguments, subjects, or items--but superficially and unclearly. At least 1.25 2-sp. page.

0-9 - Essay attempts to compare and/or contrast two issues, arguments, subjects, or items--but superficially and unclearly. 1.25 2-sp. page or less.

Thesis: 10

9-10 - Essay has a clear thesis, whether it is implicit or explicit, that is an ASSERTION solidly based on the essay's arguments.

6-8 - Essay has a thesis, implicit or explicit, that is based on the essay's arguments, but it may not be fully clear, or it may be as much fact as assertion.

3-5 - Essay has a thesis, implicit or explicit, that is loosely based on the essay's arguments, but it is not fully clear and is more fact than assertion.

0-2 - Essay has a partial thesis or none, and it is either totally unclear, or simply fact rather than assertion.

Structure and Technique: 20

18-20 - Essay is structured using one of the following methods: 1. Point-by-point. 2. Block. 3. Mixed: 1 & 2.

15-17 - Most of essay is structured using one of the following methods: 1. Point-by-point. 2. Block. 3. Mixed: 1 & 2.

10-14 - Less than half of essay is structured using one of the following methods: 1. Point-by-point. 2. Block. 3. Mixed: 1 & 2.

0-9 - Little or none of the essay is structured using one of the following methods: 1. Point-by-point. 2. Block. 3. Mixed: 1 & 2.

Balanced Exposition: 25

20-25 - Exposition is well balanced: both topics or both sides of argument are sufficiently explained/supported.

15-19 - Exposition is balanced: both topics or both sides of argument are explained/supported, but not to the extent called for.

10-14 - Exposition is unbalanced: at least one topic or one side of argument is not explained/supported.

0-9 - Exposition is unbalanced or insufficient: topics/arguments in essay are backed with little or no explanation or support.

Mechanics: 20

18-20 - There are no errors--or virtually none--in mechanics and/or syntax/grammar.

15-17 - There are four or fewer errors in mechanics and/or syntax/grammar.

10-14 - There are several errors in mechanics and/or syntax/grammar.

0-9 - There are many errors in mechanics and/or syntax/grammar.