English 101- Final Essay
Basic requirements
Title
5-7 double-spaced pages, 1” margins, 12 point NTR or 11 point Ariel font
Essay reveals evidence of revision (“rethinking & reshaping what you want to say”)
Draws from two or more class texts
No
Yes
Not yet or no evidence
Accomplished
Not yet or no evidence
Accomplished
Not yet or no evidence
Accomplished
Not yet or no evidence
Accomplished
Not yet or no evidence
Accomplished
Knowledge & Use of Outside Texts
Writer comes to terms with and paraphrases key ideas and concepts from texts
Writer reveals evidence of intensive reading/studying of class texts
Writer skillfully employs a variety of countering and/or forwarding moves
Writer demonstrates effective use of citation sandwiches
Evidence & Development
Writer’s essay is focused around a controlling idea, thesis, or question.
Writer’s claims and reasoning reveal evidence of moving beyond the obvious and
general.
Writer avoids basing arguments on personal opinion
Writer provides context or background information for the problem/question s/he is
examining
Writer provides relevant detail, evidence and reasoning to support his/her claims.
Writer’s thesis or idea develops and evolves throughout the essay
Significance & Complexity
Writer engages in sustained analysis and discussion of evidence
Writer anticipates and tries to address disconfirming or complicating arguments
Writer explores the larger implications and consequences suggested by his/her
subject
Writer takes the conversation to a new place
Organization & Progression
Writer provides sufficient context & background information for readers to
understand the “so what?”
Writer’s introduction leads reader into the issue or question the paper will examine.
Writer’s arrangement of information allows the reader to easily follow the writer’s
thinking
Writer organizes information so ideas/examples build on previous information
Writer’s ending culminates the discussion without repetition and leaves the reader
still thinking
Expression & Conventions
Writer’s paper is relatively free of error in terms of grammar, spelling, sentences,
punctuation, & MLA
Writer attempts to integrate quotations into his/her own sentences.
Writer edits for clarity, precision, succinctness, coherence, and emphasis.
Writer crafts language and consciously shapes sentences (elegance).
Writer practices civility
For essays deemed (B) or better. Degree of difficulty or strong evidence of risk may compensate for some loss of control in
organization/progression or expression/conventions.
Yes?
 The writer is working with a particularly challenging or complex question or problem.
.
 The essay reveals evidence of the writer moving beyond what s/he knows or can already comfortably do
Risk
No?
Abstract (must demonstrate underlined categories to receive credit)
No
Yes
competent
proficient
Plus!
Begins with a one-sentence description of the problem/question your paper examines
Includes the full names of the authors you use.
Includes key words or phrases from your essay.
Avoids using adjectives and adverbs that are based on your “opinion.”
Does not use first or second personal pronouns (“I,” “We,” “Us,” “Me,” You”)
Is indented and single-spaced.
Does not add any new information that is not contained in your essay.
Is tightly edited and does not contain unnecessary words (word count)
Avoids the use of passive verb tense wherever possible.
Ends with the major finding or implication of your inquiry.
Attempts to create coherence by connecting sentences with the known-new contract .
Uses precise and accurate nouns and verbs.
Reflective Commentary
accomplished
Absences
Course work + Artifact Portfolio grade (50%)
Final Revised Project (50%)
Course Description
Grade
A/ASuperior/accomplished
(not necessarily perfect)
General explanation of what the grade means
Work that excels in all of the requirements in thought AND/OR performance (as
long as the other category “strongly meets” all the requirements)
B+
(University honor grade)
Strong/Compelling
Work that strongly meets all the requirements in both thought AND performance
B
(University honor grade)
On the Mark/Proficient
Work that meets all the requirements in both thought AND performance
B-/C+
Competent/Satisfactory
Work that meets most of the requirements in thought OR performance (as long as
the other category meets some of the requirements)
C/C-
Passing/Adequate
Work that meets some of the requirements in both thought AND performance
Below
C-
Work that does not pass
Work that does not yet meet the requirements in thought AND/OR performance (D
grades would just meet the requirements in one category. F grades would not meet
the requirements in either category)