Criteria

(outstanding)

(solid, strong)

(limited)

(flawed)

The overall essay

Engages and directs the reader with skill, accuracy, and stylistic sophistication. Clearly, directly, and fully supports and develops a persuasive argument. Insightful analysis shows a creative and original thought process at work. Goes beyond class discussion.

Strengths of the essay outweigh the weaknesses. Responds to the assignment clearly and directly but not as fully as an A paper. Indicates a good understanding of the text and supports the primary claim/thesis statement with appropriate textual evidence. Analysis is less precise than in the A range paper.

Strengths and the need for revisions are about equal. This paper is still in a developmental stage; isolated sections incisively hint at what the author has in mind. May not address part of the topic or may base its analysis on a misreading of the text.

This paper has yet to emerge as an essay. The need for revisions outweighs the strengths of the paper.

Primary claim/thesis statement

Effectively and insightfully argues a point in one sentence.

Argues a point in one sentence. Sentence is adequate but may be general, obvious, or humdrum.

Attempts to argue a point.

Does not argue a point.

Secondary claims/topic sentences

Provide insightful focus to the essay as a whole and to individual paragraphs.

Support the claim. Sentences are accurate but may not pull the essay together.

Don’t sufficiently support the claim. Sentences may be confusing, irrelevant, or too factual.

Don’t support the claim or don’t exist.

Supports the claim with ample, well-selected evidence. Evidence is always clearly and carefully analyzed in proper context and always focused on the claim.

Supports the claim with evidence but may not consistently show the best evidence or may take evidence out of context. Analysis may be repetitive and/or lack careful development.

Attempts to support the claim, but evidence may be insufficient or irrelevant. Tends to miss the context. Relies heavily on plot summary, requoting, and paraphrase rather than analysis.

Does not provide evidence to support the claim.

Organization

The paper has a provocative opening, effective transitions, a logical sequence of body paragraphs, and a conclusion that provides added insight to the paper and leaves the reader something to think about.

The paper has a functional opening, transitions, an informative sequence of body paragraphs, and a summary conclusion.

The paper has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Transitions are repetitive and/or overly simplistic.

The paper is aimless and disorganized. Transitions are missing or they do not connect ideas.

Word Choice

Word choices are natural, varied, vivid, and precise.

The paper employs some fine and some routine word choices. Paper may sound as if the writer is trying too hard to impress or may contain unnecessary repetition of words/phrases.

Word choices are imprecise, vague or unnecessarily repetitive.

The paper repeatedly misuses words and confuses their meanings.

Sentence Fluency

Sentences are clear, complete, and of varying lengths. Writing is fluid and free of awkward word patterns that slow the reader’s progress. Quotations are formatted and cited correctly and integrated grammatically and smoothly.

Sentences are well-constructed. The paper may be more business-like and mechanical than fluid. Quotations are, for the most part, formatted and cited correctly and integrated grammatically and smoothly.

Sentences are often awkward and contain run-ons and/or fragments. Quotations may not be presented properly.

Many run-ons and fragments make the essay hard to read. Quotations are not presented properly.

Mechanics

The paper takes responsibility for correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Has very few or no errors.

The paper has a few errors to fix but generally follows correct conventions.

The paper has enough errors to distract a reader.

Numerous errors make the paper hard to read.

Presentation

Fulfills all requirements.

Fulfills most requirements.

Fulfills some requirements.

Does not fulfill requirements. May contain unwarranted profanity and spittle stains.