Think Piece #1
The American Dream: Reality or Dream?
OVERALL
IMPRESSION:
Demonstrates
excellent writing skills
Demonstrates good
writing skills
INTRODUCTION
Captures reader’s
attention with a hook.
Attempts to capture
reader’s attention
Attempts a thesis
statement, but is
confusing or
spread out over
introduction.
Has clear thesis
statement
Introduction clearly
explains the issue’s
complexity and sets
the stage for the
analysis.
Introduction
attempts to explain
the issue’s
complexity and
sets the stage for
the analysis.
Name: __________________
Demonstrates
adequate writing skills
Demonstrates fair
writing skills
Hook is confusing
Hook is missing
Thesis statement is
unclear—does not
show which prompt is
will be discussed
Missing thesis
statement.
Introduction attempts
to explain the issue’s
complexity and sets
the stage for the
analysis but may be
confusing or hard to
follow.
Introduction does not
explain the issue or
set the stage for
analysis.
Total: _____ / 20
BODY PARAGRAPHS
Each paragraph has
clear topic sentence
Most paragraphs
have clear topic
sentence
Strong evidence—at
least three texts cited,
one of which is a
poem.
Some evidence—at
least three texts
cited, one of which
is a poem
Clear analysis of
examples and
evidence.
Writer attempts to
provide analysis of
examples and
evidence.
Smooth transitions
between paragraphs
Attempt to connect
paragraphs
Each paragraph is
clearly focused on
one main point.
Most paragraphs
are clearly focused
on one main point.
Few paragraphs have
clear topic sentence
Little evidence or
examples do not
connect to main
point—less than three
texts cited
Many areas where
writer does not
analyze evidence or
examples
Few transitions or
connections between
paragraphs
Few paragraphs are
focused on one main
point.
Topic sentences
missing.
Lacking in evidence;
no connection at all to
topic. Less than three
texts cited
No analysis of
examples/evidence.
No connections or
transitions between
paragraphs.
Paragraphs are not
focused—hard to tell
the main points.
Total: _____ / 50
CONCLUSION
Clearly concludes
essay and is more
than just summary.
Attempts to extend
the discussion
beyond the essay.
Little extension
beyond the essay or
only a summary of the
paper.
Fully developed
No extension of the
discussion or only a
summary of the
paper.
Undeveloped
Total: _____ / 15
MECHANICS
MISCELLANEOUS
Errors are so frequent
that the reader cannot
focus on the content
of the paper.
Quotes are not
embedded in text
Total: ______ / 15
No errors
Few errors or
errors do not affect
meaning
Many errors which
impede meaning
Meets guidelines
Too short
Lacking MLA style
Rough Draft #1
Rough Draft #2
Yes
Yes
All drafts and workshop guides turned in with
final in two pocket folder
Yes
No
No
No
Failure to meet Rough Drat #1 and #2 deadlines result in a 10% drop for each.
Failure to include all drafts and workshop guides in the two pocket folder result in a 5 point loss.
Total: _________ / 100
Comments: