Advanced / Proficient / Basic / Below Basic
Focus
25 points /
  • Takes a strong, well-defined position (Clear thesis)
  • Begins each paragraph with a two-way topic sentence that references a relevant supporting idea
  • Maintains unifying idea throughout each paragraph
25-23 /
  • Clear position taken and clearly defined
  • Begins each paragraph with a topic sentence that references a relevant supporting idea
  • Generally maintains unifying idea throughout each paragraph
22-20 /
  • Position not clearly stated
  • Paragraphs are not begun with clear topic sentences but a unifying idea is evident in each paragraph
19-17 /
  • No clear position taken
  • Paragraphs are not begun with clear topic sentences and fail to carry a unifying idea
16-0
Content
40 points /
  • Provides specific examples, concepts and details from the text
  • Contains multi-sentence expansions of
important concepts or supporting ideas
  • Superior logic, insight and style are evident.
40-36 /
  • Provides specific examples, concepts and details from the text
  • Contains multi-sentence expansions of important concepts or supporting ideas
  • Solid logic, insight and style are evident.
35-32 /
  • Provides general examples from the text
  • Contains some expansion of important concepts or supporting ideas
  • Some logic, insight and style are evident but require further attention.
31-27 /
  • Does not adequately support concepts introduced in thesis or topic sentences
  • Needs further explanation and examples from text.
26-0
In-text Citations and
Use of Quotes
15 points /
  • At least one relevant quote in each body paragraph that clearly supports the topic of the paragraph and the thesis
  • Quote selection goes beyond summary to prove a meaningful assertion
  • Quotes are integrated with perfect punctuation and correct citations
15-13.5 /
  • At least one relevant quote in each body paragraph that supports the topic of the paragraph
  • Quote selection goes beyond summary to prove a meaningful assertion
  • Quotes are somewhat integrated with mostly correct punctuation and correct citations
13-11.5 /
  • At least one relevant quote in each body paragraph that supports the topic of the paragraph
  • Quote selection goes beyond summary to prove an assertion
  • Quotes are somewhat integrated with mostly correct punctuation and correct citations
11-9.5 /
  • At least one relevant quote in each body paragraph
  • Quote selections are used for summary rather than argument
  • Integration is nonexistent or poorly executed
9-0
Organization
10 points /
  • Demonstrates logical, subtle sequencing of ideas through well-developed paragraphs
  • Skillful use of transitions
10-9 /
  • Demonstrates logical sequencing of ideas through well-developed paragraphs
  • Effective use of transitions
8-7 /
  • Demonstrates some type of logical sequencing of ideas
  • Rote use transitions is evident
6-5 /
  • Lacks logical sequencing of ideas
  • Fails to use transitions
4-0
Style, Mechanics, Usage and Formatting
10 points /
  • Accurate spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
  • Present Tense Verbs
  • Nearly perfect grammar
  • Strong vocabulary
10-9 /
  • Few errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
  • Present Tense Verbs
  • Strong grammar
  • Good vocabulary
8-7 /
  • Weak sentence structure
  • Some errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
  • Present Tense Verbs
  • Multiple types of errors in grammar
  • Repetitive vocabulary
6 /
  • Sentences are confusing
  • Multiple errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
  • Multiple types of errors in grammar
  • Weak vocabulary
5
Overall / 100-90 / 89-80 / 79-70 / 69-0

Reminders for Introductions and Conclusions

Introduction contains the following:

  • author’s full name, title, and genre (does not need to be a part of the thesis statement)
  • three point overview
  • Thesis – succinct, direct, specific, provides unquestionable direction for essay by addressing the prompt with a specific theme - underlined please.

Conclusion does the following:

  • Effectively returns to thesis
  • References author’s accomplishment in literary frame
  • Synthesizes all components of argument.