Mrs. Rice - English 10A
Descriptive Essay Criteria ~
In this Descriptive Unit in English 10A, we’ve been exploring the language and power of words!
Truly, if we select the correct combination of words, they can paint a vivid picture for the reader!
For this essay assignment, you will tell about a specific place or person; please be advised that
this individual or place must actually exist. While this essay will for the most part be describing,
it is acceptable to also include narration (or dialogue) to help move your essay forward.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MAY USE ANY OF THE JOURNAL ENTRIES WE HAVE
BEEN WORKING ON OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS FOR IDEAS FOR THIS ESSAY ~
BE CREATIVE!
In addition, this essay should represent your BEST writing ability to date. Here are some
of the minimum criteria for this essay (in other words this is what is expected for a “C”):
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Minimum of 625 words
Final draft must be submitted to turnitin.com.
Peer editing worksheet and ALL journals/ drafts are required
Keyhole Essay Structure should be the basic format for this paper, with AT LEAST five
separate and distinct paragraphs (introduction/three body paragraphs/concluding
paragraph). Essay also includes at least FOUR SENSES vividly described!
At least four smiley faced tricks are correctly utilized within essay
At least seven expressive PAINT words (or words taken from any of the handouts)
Transitions are included and well placed within the body and concluding paragraphs
Essay maintains consistent 3rd person point-of-view (no “YOU”) and consistent verb
tense
See Rubric (attached grade sheet) on back for specific requirements and how they will be assessed.
Self Reflection
Write a clear note to me, reflecting on the following aspects:
*What challenged you most about this paper?
*What about this paper makes you the most proud?
(Also – put a * in the margin next to your favorite part in your paper.
*How do you feel about the final paper with regard to
effort, quality, and anything else you want to share?
Mrs. Rice - English 10A
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Circle the first word in each sentence.
Put a * in the margin by your favorite part.
Label your Smiley-Face tricks in the margin.
Underline your different PAINT packet words.
Name:____________________________________________________________________Period______
Presentation (5 pts)
(Typed, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font, heading, title, at least 625 words)
5
4
3
2
1
Previous Drafts & Peer Edits (5 pts.)
(Rough draft of Narrative AND Descriptive- really marked up by peer editors or yourself)
5
4
3
2
1
Spelling/Grammar/Mechanics (15 pts)
15
10
5
1
Sentence Fluency/Structure & Sentence/Opener Variety (10 pts)
10
8
5
1
Word Choice/Voice & different Smiley-Face Tricks (15 pts)
(Used a variety of vivid words, including different Paint words, make it come alive– not boring)
15
10
5
1
Organization (15 pts) (Introduction – Body – Conclusion with Transitions)
Descriptive: flows well due to transitions and content
15
10
5
1
Content (35 pts) (Tried to be creative – was fun &/or interesting to read)
Narrative: Tells a story with a purpose; effective use of dialogue
Descriptive: Imagery (uses ALL senses); creates a mental picture
35
32
30
28
25
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 100
23
20
18
15
13
10
5
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