Novice

Intermediate

Expert

Self Evaluation

Teacher Evaluation

Introduction and Conclusion

Thesis and conclusion underdeveloped.  Argument not consistent and unclear.  Too short.

Thesis states argument with some skill.  Conclusion ends essay and re-states the thesis.  Writing not spectacular but sufficient.

Short and sweet! Thesis poignant, grabs reader attention, and states argument well. Conclusion ends paper powerfully, draws conclusions, re-states main argument.

   /25

Argument incomplete.  Assertions not substantiated.  Ideas undeveloped.  No understanding of task, audience and purpose.  Too short to evaluate.  Language does not allow the reader to comprehend the piece.

  Essay makes an argument and backs it up.  Develops ideas, but in a limited way.  Demonstrates understanding of task, audience and purpose.  Able to understand argument, but it could be clearer and could go deeper.

Ideas presented in all their complexity, as author draws conclusions and offers informed opinions with considerable nuance and insight. Language lets the reader read and comprehend the piece.  Demonstrates clear understanding of task, audience, and purpose.  Shows originality, imagination, and thoughtfulness.  Clearly shows writer’s personality and uniqueness.  

/30

Fluency and Mechanics

Writing uneven and awkward.  Grammar mistakes and misspellings.   Mechanical errors make essay hard to understand.

Correct grammar and usage.  Writing intelligible.  Some mechanical errors that do not interfere with understanding.

Language is graceful.  Essay flows smoothly.  Writing clear at all times.  Essay easy to read and understand.  Very few or no mechanical errors.

   /10

Sentence Structure

No sentence variety.  Too short to show sentence patterns.  Too few details.

Some sentence variety.  Uses a variety of sentence patterns.  Some errors in structure. 

Sentence variety enhances what is said and how it is said.  Very few or no errors in structure.  Effectively uses a variety of sentence patterns.

      /5

Word Choice

Poor vocabulary.  Too short to evaluate.

Simple vocabulary with some interesting, colorful language.  Generally correct usage. 

Rich, effective vocabulary.  Colorful, interesting language.  Correct usage.

      /5

Facts and Support

Missing vital information.  Gaps in arguments and assertions not backed up by facts and/or evidence.

Basic information presented.  Some elaboration on essential information.

Extensive use of supporting information and at least one quote per body paragraph.  Elaborates on simple facts in great detail.  Complexity of subject illustrated.  Ideas clear and backed up with evidence and examples.

   /10

Essay Outline

Outline brief, incomplete, or absent. 

Outline attempted, but there are parts of it that are blank.  Obvious that student is not fully prepared.  Not much work done at home the night before essay.

Outline thorough and complete. Thesis, quotes, topic sentences and supporting details all present on outline.  Significant preparation indicated.  Student has all information necessary to write a superb essay in class.

 /15

Total Points:

     /100