Essay Writing Tools
Table of Content
Topic
Essay Rubric
Research/Essay Checklist
Examples
Page
1
2
3-7
Essay Writing Tools
Basic Essay Rubric
Intro
BP 1
BP 2
10 pts
1. Has a hook or entrance
into the essay that is relevant
to the topic or thesis
2. Does not contain major
details - only to assist with
the hook.
3. Contains a clearly written
focus statement (FS) that
defines the big ideas that will
be discussed in the body
paragraphs.
1. Cleary is about the first
big idea mentioned in the FS.
2. Details are relevant to this
main idea.
3. Details are well supported
through evidence and
examples
4. There is a smooth
transition to the next BI.
1. Cleary is about the second
big idea mentioned in the FS.
2 - 4. Same criteria as
other big ideas
BP 3
1. Cleary is about the third
big idea mentioned in the FS.
2-4. Same criteria as other
big ideas
BP 4…
Closing
Same as previous BP…
1. No new information! All
details and elaboration on a
big idea must be written in
the body paragraphs.
2. Restate the thesis without
repeating word for word or
redundancy
3. You are easing the reader
out of the paper. Wrap up by
restating position or big
ideas.
6 pts
1. Has a hook or entrance into the
essay that is relevant to the topic or
thesis
2. Contain details that should be
in body paragraphs
3. Contains a focus statement (FS)
that defines some of the big ideas
that will be discussed in the body
paragraphs.
2 pts
1. Has a hook or entrance into
the essay that is irrelevant to the
topic or thesis
2. Does not contains a clearly
written focus statement (FS).
1. Cleary is about the first big idea
mentioned in the FS.
2. Details are not completely
relevant to this main idea.
3. Details are somewhat supported
through evidence and examples
4. There is a transition to the next
BI.
1. Body paragraph does not
seem to be represented by FS.
2. Details are missing or
irrelevant to this main idea.
3. Details are not supported
through evidence and examples
There is no transition to the next
BI.
5. Cleary is about the first big idea
mentioned in the FS.
6. Details are not completely
relevant to this main idea.
7. Details are somewhat supported
through evidence and examples
8. There is a transition to the next
BI.
9. Cleary is about the first big idea
mentioned in the FS.
10. Details are not completely
relevant to this main idea.
11. Details are somewhat supported
through evidence and examples
12. There is a transition to the next
BI.
4. Body paragraph does not
seem to be represented by FS.
5. Details are missing or
irrelevant to this main idea.
6. Details are not supported
through evidence and examples
There is no transition to the next
BI.
7. Body paragraph does not
seem to be represented by FS.
8. Details are missing or
irrelevant to this main idea.
9. Details are not supported
through evidence and examples
There is no transition to the next
BI.
1. Contains some new information
or details.
2. Restate the thesis without
repeating word for word or
redundancy
1. Thesis is not restated.
2. Does not following the topic
of the paper
Essay Writing Tools
Research/Essay Checklist
Did I Answer These Questions?...
What is my topic/main idea?
Did I include all the terms and give examples of each?
Did I spell everything correctly and check my grammar?
Does it flow and have nice transitions from one paragraph to another?
Did I let my teammates proof read?
Yes
Essay Writing Tools
Example:
Let’s say I needed to write a paper about the different types of bonds found between atoms. Let’s work
this out together following a few simple rules:
1. What is my topic/main idea? Atomic Bonds
2. Did I include all the terms and give examples of each? I will need to include two types of bonds:
covalent and ionic. I also need to keep in mind that there are several different types of covalent – single,
double, triple, and quadruple bonds.
3. Did I spell everything correctly and check my grammar? This is where our good friend SPELL
CHECK comes in! but we also need to check our punctuation and use of commas and semicolons. If you
have a question about any of this, you can ask your teammates, teacher, or just go to a reputable web site
and you will find your answer.
4. Does it flow and have nice transitions from one paragraph to another? Each paragraph should have
some kind of set up and wind down. Let it flow… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0xc1Rws7F0
(2:20-2:44)
5. Did I let my teammates proof read? This may be the most important step in this whole process. It
cannot be underestimated the effect our thoughts have on the reality of the written page. Simply put, we
will fill in what we wanted to say as we read through our work unknowingly even though we have
actually omitted some important details. Someone else can catch these mishaps rather quickly and help
you actually say what you really wanted to .
Essay Writing Tools
Example:
Let’s say I needed to write a paper about the different types of bonds found between atoms. Let’s work
this out together following a few simple rules:
4. What is my topic/main idea? Don’t forget one of the best ways to make sure you are organized and
stay on track is to make an outline!
Atomic Bonds
5. Did I include all the terms and give examples of each? I will need to include two types of bonds:
covalent and ionic. I also need to keep in mind that there are several different types of covalent – single,
double, triple, and quadruple bonds.
6. Did I spell everything correctly and check my grammar? This is where our good friend SPELL
CHECK comes in! but we also need to check our punctuation and use of commas and semicolons. If you
have a question about any of this, you can ask your teammates, teacher, or just go to a reputable web site
and you will find your answer.
4. Does it flow and have nice transitions from one paragraph to another? Each paragraph should have
some kind of set up and wind down. Let it flow… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0xc1Rws7F0
(2:20-2:44)
5. Did I let my teammates proof read? This may be the most important step in this whole process. It
cannot be underestimated the effect our thoughts have on the reality of the written page. Simply put, we
will fill in what we wanted to say as we read through our work unknowingly even though we have
actually omitted some important details. Someone else can catch these mishaps rather quickly and help
you actually say what you really wanted to .
Essay Writing Tools
In class examples:
Period 1
Everything in our universe is made of atoms. Atoms are….. where they come from – big bang….
Atoms stay connected by bonding together.
Atoms are bonded together by using their outer electrons, called valence electrons. Explain valence
electrons. Why they want the octet rule. There are two types of atomic bonds, covalent and ionic.
In covalent bonds, two atoms share one or more of their valence electrons. Explain how atoms share
electrons. Then explain why they share. Give an EXAMPLE. (Be sure to define any new terms and then
use them afterward to elevate the level of writing/speech)
Period 2
Have you ever wondered what stuff is made of?
Everything in the entire Universe is made of atoms. Atoms form bonds with other atoms to create
molecules. All matter is made of molecules from the air we breathe to our very own DNA. There are two
types of atomic bonds, covalent and ionic.
Covalent bonds… valence. Octet rule… example. Single double tri quad….Covalent bonds are a
very important process to creating molecules and matter, but nature also uses another way to bring atoms
together, ionic bonds.
Ionic bonds….
Period 3
Do you know what your science book is made of, or anything for that matter?
Have you ever wondered what stuff is made of?
Everything in the entire Universe is made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms come together by
bonding to form molecules, which are ….. There are two ways atoms form bonds, covalent and ionic.
Covalent bonds… outer electrons called valence electrons. Octet rule… single, double, triple, and
quadruple bonds … Example…. Covalent bonds are very important to the formation of molecules, but
molecules can also be formed using ionic bonds as well.
Essay Writing Tools
Ionic bond….
Period 4
Have you ever wondered what stuff is made of?
Everything in the entire Universe, including Chuck Norris, is made of atoms. Atoms are tiny particles
that come together through bonding to form larger molecules. They do this through using their outer
electrons, called valence electrons. Valence electrons interact with other atoms to break or establish
bonds. For example, hydrogen has one valence electron…. There are two types of atomic bonds,
covalent and ionic.
Covalent bonds definition… There are four types of covalent bonds. Single explain… example…
double explain…. Example….. …… Many molecules are formed through covalent bonds, however, many
are also formed using ionic bonds.
Ionic bonds….
Period 7
Have you ever wondered what stuff is made of?
Water, hair, makeup, Xbox, money, in fact everything in the entire Universe is made of tiny particles
called atoms. Atoms are…. Each atom wants to have eight outer, or valence electrons. To achieve this
they combine, or bond, with other atoms to form molecules. For example, water…. There are two types
of atomic bonds, covalent and ionic.
Covalent bonds….what it is. Example… single what it is… example…, double, triple, and quadruple
bonds. Many molecules are made of covalent bonds, however atoms do always share electrons;
sometimes they may give away one or more valence electrons to form ionic bonds.
Ionic bonds….