Great Expectations Essay Rubric- Honors English 9 Final Exam 2014
Each category will be graded on a 5-point scale:
5=Excellent
4=Good
3=Fair
2=Poor
1=Inadequate
0=Did not attempt
Introduction:
 Essay begins with a formal literary attention getting opener which aligns to thesis. (W.9.2a)
 Introduction contains an effective transition into the thesis by previewing the topic and organizing information
from general to specific.(W.9.2a)
 Essay contains a thesis statement that addresses the prompt, is insightful, and follows all formal writing rules
(W.9.2a)
5
4
3
2
1
x 3 = ______ / 15
Organization (body paragraphs and conclusion):
 Each body paragraph contains a topic sentence that introduces the evidence used in that paragraph. (W.9.2a)
 Each body paragraph concludes with a sentence briefly summarizing the paragraph and connecting it to the thesis.
(W.9.2f)
 A variety of appropriate transitions are used to connect the main ideas of the paper.(W.9.2c)
 The conclusion refers to the thesis idea of the paper, briefly summarizes each body paragraph, and is organized
from specific to general. (W.9.2f)
5
4
3
2
1
x 4 = ______ / 20
Use of textual evidence & MLA format:
 Body paragraphs provide textual evidence in context which is cited correctly. (R.9.1, W.9.2b, W.9.9)
 Evidence aligns to thesis and to each paragraph’s topic. (R.9.1, W.9.2b, W.9.9)
 Evidence is explained thoroughly, making a connection to the topic sentence and thesis statement. (R.9.1, W.9.2b,
W.9.9)
 The paper follows MLA format: heading, typed, double spaced, Times New Roman size 12 pt. font, works cited
page. (L.9.3a)
5
4
3
2
1
x 4 = ______ / 20
Use of language:
 The paper follows all formal writing rules and is written in the literary present tense. (W.9.2e, W.9.4, L.9.3a)
 The paper contains high level vocabulary including literary terms that are appropriate for the paper. (W.9.2d,
L.9.6)
5
4
3
2
1
x 2 = ______ / 10
Grammar and sentence structure:
 The paper contains correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar and usage. (L.9.2)
 The paper contains a variety of sentence structures, particularly both types of compound sentences, appositive
phrases, and a variety of sentence openers (see back of rubric for examples). (L.9.1, L.9.2)
5
4
3
2
1
x 2 = ______ / 10
Writing goals/writing process:
 The paper demonstrates improvement toward both writing goals. (W.9.5)
5
4
3
2
1
= ______ 5
_____/80
8 Sentence Patterns to Add Variety to Your Writing
Vary Your Sentence Openings : To create sentence variety and to clarify the relationship of your ideas, use various sentence
openings that modify the sentence preceding it.
1. -ing phrase opener (present participle phrase)
Looking rather pale, Mr. Caine obviously had a grave illness.
Pattern:
-ing phrase, complete sentence
2. -ed phrase opener (past participle phrase)
Baffled by what had happened, Francis sat in silence with a confused look on his face.
Pattern:
-ed phrase, complete sentence
3. -ly opener (adverb)
Quickly, the professor closed the door to the classroom.
4. prepositional phrase opener
In the magazine, one can find various ethnic and gender stereotypes.
Pattern:
prepositional phrase, complete sentence
5. to openers (infinitive phrase)
To get to work on time, Jim sped down the highway at 80 miles per hour.
Patterm:
To phrase, complete sentence
6. Appositive
Dr. Jones, a psychologist for Mercy Hospital, was on-call 24 hours a day.
Pattern:
An appositive modifies a noun; therefore, it follows the noun it modifies or explains/defines in more detail.
Create Compound Sentences
7. Comma + conjunction
He had applied to three universities, but after he visited Ohio State, he decided to apply there as well.
She received a larger paycheck this pay period than last pay period, for she had worked extra hours.
Coordinating Conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (helpful acronym: fan boys)
8. Semi-colon
He had applied to three universities; after he visited Ohio State, he decided to apply there as well.
An ACT score is a requirement for admittance to college; SAT scores may also be used.