Name: ___________________________________ Period: ___________________
Focus
Content
Organization
At least one correct
Essay has a clear
9-10 Essay is on target
throughout. It includes
citation of an outside
organizational pattern
only relevant details,
source with a Works
with a clear beginning,
maintains a strong
Cited page. A clear
middle, and end. A
controlling idea, and
definition of the term –
properly placed thesis
gives a clear definition
drawn from multiple
(last sentence of intro
to the reader.
sources and personal
paragraph). Topic
understanding. At least
sentences for each
two specific anecdotes or paragraph that sets the
examples to illustrate
tone for each
examples of integrity.
paragraph. Appropriate
use of transitions. A
strong conclusion that
leaves a lasting impact.
7-8
May have some
irrelevant or off-topic
info.
5-6
May be unclear or off
topic.
0-4
Essay has no clear focus
or point or is off
prompt.
________/50 Comments:
Missing one of the above
or underdeveloped
aspects or incorrectly
cited sources or more
than one section above.
Or no Works Cited
information.
Missing or
underdeveloped in
multiple areas.
Missing more than 50%
of the info listed above.
Style
Strong overall style with
descriptive word
choices. No second
person, contractions, “I
think,” “In my opinion,”
“To me,” or “I believe”
statements. Conclusion
may not include
repeated phrases from
earlier in your essay or
the phrase “in
conclusion.”
Conventions
Essay includes proper
grammar. Specifically:
No comma splices, runons, or fragments.
Properly used commas
with regard to
introductory
prepositional phrases
and conjunctions. Proper
capitalization, spelling,
and end punctuation.
Essay may have a
misplaced thesis, no topic
sentences in some
paragraphs, missing/
misused transitions, or a
weak conclusion.
Two or more incidences
of second person or
contractions. Or poor
word choices in
description, conclusion,
or phrasing.
Three to six errors in the
above categories.
Multiple elements are
missing or
underdeveloped.
More than 50% of the
above info needs
development or
improvement.
Multiple errors in the
above.
Seven to eleven errors in
the above categories.
Style is lacking in
multiple errors to the
point of distraction to
the reader.
Conventions lacking in
multiple areas to the
point of distraction to
the reader.