Reading
Response 1, 2, 3
Thesis
Organization
Skilled
(4)
Proficient
(3)
Progressing
(2)
Thesis indicates
original and
engaging
argument with
evidence of
developing
strategy. Nuanced
response to
argument.
Sequence of ideas
is consistently
clear, logical and
relevant to thesis.
Paragraphs are
unified;
transitions are
effective.
Thesis is competent
but lacks originality.
Good response to
argument.
Thesis is too broad.
Adequate
understanding of the
assignment.
Thesis is vague and
unclear. Does not fully
respond to the
assignment.
Sequence of ideas is
reasonably clear &
logical, although
parts of argument
may not be
explicitly connected
to thesis. Paragraphs
could be better
connected.
Good understanding
of text. Reference to
main ideas that
contribute to
argument in a clear
manner.
Sufficient but
predictable textual
evidence. Good use
of quotations but too
many or too few, or
lacking careful
explication.
Unclear, missing
transitions.
Significant parts
don’t explicitly
advance thesis.
Paragraphs do not
relate to each other.
Difficult to determine
how arrangement of
ideas contributes to
argument. Parts of
argument do not hold
together. Paragraphs
disorganized.
No clear sense of an
evolving argument or
logical arrangement
of ideas; haphazard.
Paragraphs
incoherent,
undeveloped and
unrelated.
Adequate
understanding of
text. Reference to
aspects of the text
that are predictable
or lacking.
Insufficient use of
textual evidence.
Quotations
insufficient, illchosen, misplaced
or lacking
explication.
Lack of understanding
of text, but effort in
supporting argument
with some ideas from
the text.
Unclear if text was
used/read/understood.
Complete lack of
textual reference.
Little useful textual
evidence for an
argument. Lacks
appropriate quotations
or quotes heavily
without purpose or
explication.
Lacks support for
claims, essay is
incomplete. No
quotations or
inappropriate
quotations, not
integrated in essay.
Conveys ideas with
effective and varied
sentence structure.
Few errors at
word/sentence level.
Clear but basic
expression of
ideas—little
variation in sentence
form; some errors at
word/sentence level.
Many basic errors at
word and sentence
level, but sense of
ideas conveyed.
Multiple errors in
arrangement,
punctuation, and
sentence structure
undermine sense of
understanding.
Complete mastery
Textual
Comprehension of text, Reference
Ideas, Support &
Development
Grammar and
Mechanics
to aspects that
contribute to
argument well
and originally.
Assertions
supported with
well chosen
textual evidence.
Appropriate
quotations with
necessary and full
explication.
Presents ideas in
well-crafted,
varied, engaging,
virtually errorfree sentences.
A+ 25 B+ 20/21
A 23/24 B 18/19
A- 22 B- 17
Comments:
Does Not Meet
Standards (1)
No controlling idea.
Poor or mistaken
response to the
assignment.
Exemplary
(5)
C+ 15/16
C13/14
C- 12
D+ 11
D 10
D- 8/9
F= <7