Writing Standard 9-10.2 o Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. o
Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. o
Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic. o
Use appropriate and varied transitions to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts. o
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic. o Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing. o Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented
(e.g., articulating implications or the significance of the topic).
Advanced All proficient criteria plus two of the following:

Provides other anecdotal evidence or opinions in support of thesis

Writing style is characterized by a mix of complex and simple sentences using academic vocabulary correctly

Organization of essay is appropriate to audience

Where appropriate, essay contains a variety of expository styles including compare/contrast, description, classification, etc.
Proficient
 Follows established format for Informational/Explanatory essay writing appropriate to purpose and mode(s) o Introduction with hook o Thesis statement that synthesizes two texts through comparison, classification, exemplification
or cause and effect. o Body paragraphs with claims that support thesis o Details that support body paragraph claims o Conclusion that restates or summarizes the argument

Evidence is relevant to the claims made in the body paragraph in which it appears and comes from more than one text.

Connection between evidence and claim is explained through commentary
Basic

Meets 2 of the “Proficient” criteria
Below Basic

Meets fewer than 2 of the “Proficient” criteria
 Task to be repeated after re-teaching
Far Below Basic

Essay is off-topic, does not address the prompt or has none of the proficient elements.