Name _______________________________________________Pd.____
Definition Essay
Due: October 23, 2015
FOCUS
10
9-8
Exceeds Expectations
7-6
Meets Expectations
There is a clear, sharp thesis
(your definition) in the
introduction.
A creative thread is introduced in
the grabber and carried through
the body paragraphs and
conclusion.
CONTENT & ORGANIZATION
30
Exceeds Expectations
The introduction includes an
engaging grabber; a clear, sharp
thesis; and a focus area sentence
that unites the paragraph.
The body paragraphs strongly
support the thesis with enough
specific details and examples.
Transition words are used within
paragraphs.
The conclusion includes a strong
zinger; a clear, distinct thesis;
and focus area sentence that
unites the paragraph.
There is a clear thesis) in
the introduction.
A thread is introduced in
the grabber and—to some
extent—is carried through
the remaining paragraphs.
29-24
5-4
Slightly Below
Expectations
Greatly Below
Expectations
The thesis is not clear.
The topic—your
word—is included, but
no point is made.
A thread is introduced
in the grabber, but it
is not carried through
the remaining
paragraphs.
No attempt to
introduce a thread in
the grabber.
23-21
20-17
Meets Expectations
Slightly Below Expectations
Greatly Below Expectations
The introduction includes
a grabber, thesis, a focus
area sentence.
The introduction may not
include one of the
following: a grabber, thesis,
focus area sentence.
The introduction is
missing at least two of the
following: a grabber,
thesis, focus area
sentence.
The body paragraphs
support the thesis with
enough details and
examples.
Transition words are
used within paragraphs.
The conclusion includes a
zinger, thesis, and focus
area sentence.
The body paragraphs
attempt to support the
thesis with some (but not
enough) details and
examples.
0
Incomplete
0
Incomplete
The body paragraphs have
few and/or not specific
details and examples.
The conclusion is missing
at least two of the
following: a zinger, thesis,
focus area sentence.
The conclusion may not
include one of the
following: a zinger, thesis,
focus area sentence.
STYLE
10
9-8
Exceeds Expectations
Meets Expectations
Consistent sophisticated vocabulary
Some strong word
choices
Essay has a relevant title.
5-4
Greatly Below
Expectations
Few strong word choices
Essay has a title.
Contrast-contradiction
included
CONVENTIONS & Following Directions
10
9-8
Exceeds Expectations
Meets Expectations
Evident control of grammar,
spelling, and punctuation
A few errors in grammar,
spelling, and punctuation, but
these errors do not affect the
reader’s understanding
format
Submitted on MLA
the due
date
Submitted with rubric
No title
Contrast-contradiction
incomplete
7-6
Slightly Below Expectations
0
Incomplete
Basic word choice
Essay has a title.
Contrast-contradiction adds detail
fluently
MLA format
7-6
Slightly Below Expectations
Contrast-contradiction
not included
5-4
Greatly Below Expectations
Errors in grammar,
spelling, and punctuation,
and they make parts
unclear for the reader
Many errors in grammar,
spelling, and punctuation, and
they affect the reader’s
understanding
MLA format missing
MLA format missing
Submitted after due date
Submitted without rubric
0
Incomplete
___ points/60 total points