Students will demonstrate mastery of classification/division writing for an academic audience using M.L.A. citations. Students will write a multi-paragraph
essay in which the author describes the subject of a biography as he/she fits into three or more categories. The essay must use a logical and cohesive
style that demonstrates an understanding of E.S.P. format. Students will use in-text citations with quotes or paraphrasing that show mastery of M.L.A.
citation with a Works Cited entry at the end.
Meyer: 2012/13
Writing Expectations
Composition: Classification Essay
6
5
Fluid, clear ideas
Body paragraphs are well
developed w/detailed explanations
Punctuation, Spelling, Grammar & Usage
Audience Understanding
Length 2 pages: Double-Spaced
M.L.A. citations
Categories/Divisons
Opening quote
Topic sentences
4
0
Paragraphs disconnect at times
Quotes/examples poorly support
but are generally clear and relate
the ideas set forth/proof is missing
to the topic sentences
1-2 Minor Errors
3-4 Errors causing a major impact
on the overall impression
Unedited
Academic Writing in 3rd person Strong word choice
Academic Writing with few lapses
of poor word choice
Written in a conversational
style using 1st or 2nd
person (I/we/me/us/you)
Complete
1.5 pages
1 page
Incomplete
Two quotes per paragraph,
correctly cited and a proper Works
Cited entry
Less than two quotes per
paragraph, correctly cited and a
Works Cited entry
Missing in-text or Works Cited
Entry
No Citations
Three or more
Two Categories
Introduces the person in a
compelling way
Serves to introduce but doesn't
"grab" attention
Related to one category - relates
in a limited way
Not categorized
Unrelated quote/No quote
Obvious categories introduced clear, inclusive thesis
Clear thesis/Categories generally
relate back
Limited understanding of
categorization
No clear plan
Obvious "wrap up" and/or mention General endings like "this is what I
of the next category
said" or "that is how.."
Clincher/Transitions
Total:
Student name:
Lacks a clear line of logic
from topic sentence to
support sentences
/53
Avg:
No clinchers/transitions