Extended Definition Essay
CRITERIA
Completion/Meaning
Advanced:
thorough, effective
The definition has distinct depth and is
personal and complicated.
Proficient
Sufficient, Satisfactory
The definition is personal and has
multiple elements but could be
discussed or elaborated on further
The essay mostly follows point-bypoint or block format and uses
transitions. May have some
repetition/ bland but reader can
follow ideas.
Most sources are well-integrated and
do not disrupt the flow of the essay.
Organization
The essay follows the point-by-point
or block format and uses proper
transitions. The ideas are clearly
discussed and
Use of Sources
Quote/sources are well-integrated and
flow naturally with the author’s
individual style/voice
Style/Voice/word choice
A consistent voice that is appropriate
for the paper’s meaning and engages
the reader. The essay has personality.
All sources are included in the Works
Cited page and have correct in-text
citations.
Advanced traditional grammar and
mechanics, except when irregularities
(like fragments) are used for special
effects.
Paper reads will with developing style
and voice.
Advanced:
thorough, effective
The definition has distinct depth and is
personal and complicated.
Proficient
Sufficient, Satisfactory
The definition is personal and has
multiple elements but could be
discussed or elaborated on further
The essay mostly follows point-bypoint or block format and uses
transitions. May have some
repetition/ bland but reader can
follow ideas.
Most sources are well-integrated and
do not disrupt the flow of the essay.
Documentation
Grammar, Punctuation etc…
Extended Definition Essay
CRITERIA
Completion/Meaning
Organization
The essay follows the point-by-point
or block format and uses proper
transitions. The ideas are clearly
discussed and
Use of Sources
Quote/sources are well-integrated and
flow naturally with the author’s
individual style/voice
Style/Voice/word choice
A consistent voice that is appropriate
for the paper’s meaning and engages
the reader. The essay has personality.
All sources are included in the Works
Cited page and have correct in-text
citations.
Advanced traditional grammar and
mechanics, except when irregularities
(like fragments) are used for special
effects.
Documentation
Grammar, Punctuation etc…
Evident effort in Works Cited and intext citation; few errors
Surface errors are minimal and do not
detract from meaning and readability
Paper reads will with developing style
and voice.
Evident effort in Works Cited and intext citation; few errors
Surface errors are minimal and do not
detract from meaning and readability
Acceptable
Adequate, Passable
The definition is personal but lacks
thorough explanation or exploration.
The reader struggles to connect some
ideas. Paragraphs are not welldeveloped or connected
Not Acceptable
Incomplete, ineffective
There are more than one definitions
(unnecessarily) or the definition is too
vague to understand
The paper reads more like a free write
than a piece of formal writing
Most sources are integrated; some
seem out of place or are not
completely relevant or may disrupt the
flow of the essay.
Wordiness, clichés, and/or vagueness
sometimes muffle the voice. Tone is
inconsistent
Includes a Works Cited page but lacks
correct format. In-text citation may be
missing or inadequate
Frequent grammar, spelling and/or
punctuation errors clutter paper’s
surface. Some sentences may be
awkward.
Sources are irrelevant and/or detract
from the content.
Acceptable
Adequate, Passable
The definition is personal but lacks
thorough explanation or exploration.
Not Acceptable
Incomplete, ineffective
There are more than one definitions
(unnecessarily) or the definition is too
vague to understand
The paper reads more like a free write
than a piece of formal writing
The reader struggles to connect some
ideas. Paragraphs are not welldeveloped or connected
Most sources are integrated; some
seem out of place or are not
completely relevant or may disrupt the
flow of the essay.
Wordiness, clichés, and/or vagueness
sometimes muffle the voice. Tone is
inconsistent
Includes a Works Cited page but lacks
correct format. In-text citation may be
missing or inadequate
Frequent grammar, spelling and/or
punctuation errors clutter paper’s
surface. Some sentences may be
awkward.
Comments
No distinguishable voice or
forced/unnatural voice.
Does not include a Works Cited page.
In-text citations are sloppy or lacking.
Surface problems are so frequent they
obscure meaning. Many sentences
are poorly structured.
Sources are irrelevant and/or detract
from the content.
No distinguishable voice or
forced/unnatural voice.
Does not include a Works Cited page.
In-text citations are sloppy or lacking.
Surface problems are so frequent they
obscure meaning. Many sentences
are poorly structured.
Comments