Name:__________________________________________________________
Section: ELA: ______
BIO:________ History: ________
Score = __________/25 = _________/100
Latin:_________
*portfolio
Team 9A Initial Assessment:
Synthesis Essay Rubric
5
Exceeds Expectations
3
Meets Expectations
1
Does Not Meet Expectations
ORGANIZATION: Writer included all
components of the required
paragraphs, as in the outline (intro,
conclusion, body). Organization and
thesis was seamless and clear. All
tied back up to topic sentences and
the thesis. The intro contains a
thoughtful hook, Conclusion
indicates a clear and thoughtful “So
what”
ORGANIZATION: Writer did best to
include components of the required
paragraphs. Sometimes the
organization was a bit clunky but this
is only because the writer was trying
to meet the requirements. The intro
attempts a thoughtful hook and
conclusion indicates an attempt at a
“So what”
ORGANIZATION: Many required
components of the paragraphs are
missing. As a result, the writer’s
thesis is not proved and the
synthesis is not clear. The hook is not
thoughtful nor original and the
conclusion is a summary and no
indication of “So what”
WORD CHOICE/GRAMMAR: Words
used are above a Freshman writing
level. There are numerous instance
of DICTION that give clues as to the
writer’s opinion on this topic. No
major grammar mistakes are
detected nor impose on the content
WORD CHOICE/GRAMMAR: Words
used are at a Freshman writing level.
The writer makes good effort at
trying to use DICTION and should
continue to work on developing.
Some grammatical mistakes are
detected and impose on the
content/meaning
WORD CHOICE/GRAMMAR: Words
used aren’t up to the expected level
for a Freshman writing. There is no
use of DICTION or it is too hard to
tell. Many grammatical errors are
detected and therefore the meaning
is difficult to understand.
MEAL’s on WEAL’s: Writer begins
body paragraphs with a clear
warrant, Evidence is clearly relevant
to warrants/claims, links and
connects to warrants/claims. Uses
required sources and examples
insightfully.
MEAL’s on WEAL’s: Writer shows a
solid understanding of how to Follow
the MEAL/WEAL format. Has
relevant evidence, a strong analysis
but link is not clear. Uses some
required sources and examples
insightfully.
MEAL’s on WEAL’s: Writer “quotes
and runs.” As a result, evidence is not
clearly linked to warrants or claims.
Does not use required sources and
examples insightfully.
TRANSITION WORDS AND
ANALYSIS: Transition words are
expertly used to connect thoughts
and tie back up to topic sentences
and the thesis and to deepen
analysis.
TRANSITION WORDS AND
ANALYSIS: Writer uses transition
words to make use of evidence
effective and logical. Analysis is
attempted but needs to go deeper
and be explicit.
TRANSITION WORDS AND
ANALYSIS: Writer should consult
They Say, I Say and use transition
words to connect sentences and
deepen analysis.
PROCESS: writer meets all deadlines
and draft requirements on time.
Format is final copy (FC) ready, in
MLA with proper citations and a
work cited page
PROCESS: writer meets some of the
time deadlines and draft
requirements. Missing come
components for FC ready, MLA
format is attempted and citations
and a work cited page need
improvements
PROCESS: writer does not meet time
deadlines and draft requirements. Is
not FC ready, MLA format is poorly
or not attempted with inappropriate
citations and work cited page
Name
date
Section
*portfolio
Team 9A Initial Assessment
SYNTHESIS ESSAY: Guidelines
Topic:

Compose a well-written essay in which you indicate your understanding of the prompt, support
your claim with warrants and evidence from English, Latin, History and Biology
Question/Prompt:

Should a person take actions that benefit himself or benefit others?
Directions:
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Using the information you have been given in your cluster classes
o Create a clear and well-structured, one sided thesis in which you answer the question above.
o Be sure your thesis is about CHOICES and HOW/WHY it can mean something to how we
live/exist as humans
You need to incorporate sources and evidence from English, Latin, History and Biology
o How can you use examples from Literature or History?
o How do non-fictional and historic events serve as examples of support?
o How can a biological standpoint support your warrants?
THREE Body paragraphs following MEAL format
Intro/conclusion (including a “so what”)
Appropriate spelling/grammar/syntax/tone
Transitions
You must incorporate citations from EACH CLUSTER CLASS (English, Latin, History and Biology)
MUST be in MLA format
o Use the brainstorms, handouts, class workshops and online resources to help you
o Format the margins, headings, header, etc
o PROPER citations, not summaries, but actual quotes!!
o Work Cited page
Final Copy ready!!
o Rubric facing UP and ON TOP of the Essay (THE RUBRIC IS THE CHART!!)
o Stapled as you walk into the door
o On Time!!
DUE ON THE DUE DATE!!!
o I will ONLY accept emailed essays if you:
 See me in advance and get approval
 Or, are absent with a LEGIT doctor’s note.
 AND you bring in a copy of your actual essay the next day.
This will count as a heavily weighted grade in English, Latin, History and Biology
Use the Rubric to help you (see reverse side)
Due ____________________________: Upload onto turnitin by 11:59 pm
DUE _____________________________: final copy ready = typed in MLA, drafts, rubric on top, stapled.
NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!