|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The thesis statement names the topic of the essay and outlines the main points to be discussed.
|
The thesis statement names the topic of the essay.
|
The thesis statement outlines some or all of the main points to be discussed but does not name the topic.
|
The thesis statement does not name the topic AND does not preview what will be discussed.
|
|
|
All of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position.
|
Most of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position.
|
At least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author's position.
|
Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained.
|
|
|
Arguments and support are provided in a logical order that makes it easy and interesting to follow the author's train of thought.
|
Arguments and support are provided in a fairly logical order that makes it reasonably easy to follow the author's train of thought.
|
A few of the support details or arguments are not in an expected or logical order, distracting the reader and making the essay seem a little confusing.
|
Many of the support details or arguments are not in an expected or logical order, distracting the reader and making the essay seem very confusing.
|
|
|
Author makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
|
Author makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
|
Author makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
|
Author makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
|
|
|
Author makes no errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the essay is exceptionally easy to read.
|
Author makes 1-2 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the essay is still easy to read.
|
Author makes a few errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and interrupt the flow.
|
Author makes several errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and interrupt the flow.
|
|
|
The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer's position. Effective restatement of the position statement begins the closing paragraph.
|
The conclusion is recognizable. The author's position is restated within the first two sentences of the closing paragraph.
|
The author's position is restated within the closing paragraph, but not near the beginning.
|
There is no conclusion - the paper just ends.
|
|