The Definition of Integrity
We each have an idea of what integrity means in our head, but actually defining this
concept is rather difficult. What does integrity mean to you?
Write a multi-paragraph (five) essay in which you articulate your definition
of integrity. Include specific details and examples from what you have read, heard, and
experienced in your interpretation.
Be sure to read ahead of time – you need to develop a definition of integrity before you
can explain that definition in an essay. Include a clear definition; include examples and
anecdotes that illustrate your point.
As you write, remember your essay will be scored based on how well you:
Develop a multi-paragraph response to the assigned topic that clearly communicates
your controlling idea to the audience.
Support your controlling idea with meaningful examples, reasons, and information
based upon your research or readings.
Organize your essay in a clear and logical manner, including an introduction, body,
and conclusion.
Use well-structured sentences and language that is appropriate for your audience.
Edit your work to conform to the conventions of standard American English.
Definition of Integrity Essay Rubric
(Adapted from Pennsylvania Writing Assessment Domain Scoring Guide)
Focus
Content
Organization
The single controlling point
made with an awareness of
task (mode) about a
specific topic.
The presence of ideas
developed through facts,
examples, anecdotes,
details, opinions, statistics,
reasons, and/or
explanations.
The order developed and
sustained within and across
paragraphs using transitional
devices and including
introduction and conclusion.
Focus
15% Content
25%
Organization
Style
15%
Conventions
The choice, use and
arrangement of words
and sentence structures
that create tone and
voice.
Style
25%
Grammar,
mechanics,
spelling, usage
and sentence
formation.
Conventions 20%
4
Sharp, distinct
controlling
point made
about a single
topic with
evident
awareness of
task (mode).
Substantial, specific,
and/or illustrative content
demonstrating strong
development and
sophisticated ideas.
Sophisticated
arrangement of content
with evident and/or
subtle transitions.
Precise, illustrative use of
a variety of words and
sentence structures to
create consistent writer's
voice and tone appropriate
to audience.
Evident control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage, and
sentence formation.
3
Apparent point
made about a
single topic
with sufficient
awareness of
task (mode).
Sufficiently developed
content with adequate
elaboration or
explanation.
Functional arrangement
of content that sustains
a logical order with
some evidence of
transitions.
Generic use of a variety of
words and sentence
structures that may or may
not create a writer's voice
and tone appropriate to
audience.
Sufficient control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage, and
sentence formation.
2
No apparent
point but
evidence of a
specific topic.
Confused or
Limited content with
inconsistent
inadequate elaboration or arrangement of content
explanation.
with or without attempts
at transition.
Limited word choice and
control of sentence
structures that inhibit voice
and tone.
Limited control of
grammar, mechanics,
spelling, usage and
sentence formation.
1
Minimal
evidence of a
topic.
Superficial and/or minimal Minimal control of
content.
content arrangement.
Minimal control of
Minimal variety in word
grammar, mechanics,
choice and minimal control
spelling, usage and
of sentence structures.
sentence formation.
Essay ________/25 (scored from Turnitin.com submission)
___/1 Original Title (something more than the name of the assignment)
___/1 No use of “you”
___/2 Definition avoids clichéd dictionary definitions (i.e. Webster’s defines integrity
as…)
___/1 No use of space filler phrases (i.e. ‘in this essay I will___”, ‘These are three
reasons why___”)
Total Score ________/30