Mr.

Gunnar
AP English Language and Composition

Name _________________________________

Synthesis Rubric Checklist

Directions: Place a check if the writer displays these qualities. These will help you provide the paper
you are evaluating with a final score.
High-Range Essay (9-8)
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Tip:

Effectively develops a position on the assigned topic.

Reveals full understanding of the ideas developed in the sources.
Employs the sources effectively to develop the students position; the student drives
the argument, not the sources.
The argument is convincing.
Successfully synthesizes the required number of sources and correctly cites them.
Does not generalize but cites specific evidence either from sources and/or experience
and develops that evidence fully and comprehensively; follows through; fully
addresses So what? question.
Is clear, well-organized, and coherent is a complete stand alone argumentative
essay rather than an exam response.
The prose demonstrates an ability to control a wide range of the elements of effective
writing.
Contains very few errors or flaws, if any.

Rarely, a 7 essay can make a jump into the high range because of its more mature style
and perception.

Middle-Range Essay (7-6-5)

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Adequately develops a position on the assigned topic.

Reveals understanding of the ideas developed in the sources.
Employs the sources to develop the students position and the student avoids over
summarizing the sources and assumes some control of the argument. 5 essays may
digress or lose focus.
The argument is generally convincing but less cogent or developed.
Successfully synthesizes the required number of sources and correctly cites them.
Cites specific evidence either from sources and/or experience and develops that
evidence fully but may over-generalize; follows through; adequately but may not fully
address the So what? question.
Is clear, well-organized, and coherent for the most part; 5 essays may be uneven.
The language may contain lapses in diction or syntax but is generally clear.
Contains only minor errors or flaws.

Tips: The 7 paper demonstrates a more consistent command of college-level writing than does
the 5 or 6 paper.
A 5 paper does the minimum required by the assignment. It relies on generalizations and
limited control of argument. It often loses focus and digresses from the topic.

OVER PLEASE

Low-Range Essay (4-3-2-1)

Inadequately develops a position on the assigned topic.
____ May misunderstand, misrepresent or oversimplify the ideas developed in the sources.
____ Employs the sources to develop a position but may over-summarize them. The
sources drive the argument.
____ The link between the argument and the sources may be weak. Writer does not follow
through.
____ May cite fewer than the required number of sources, may skip a citation, and/or cite a
source incorrectly.
____ Essay may suggest immature control of writing -- weak control of the elements of
diction, syntax, and organization.
____ Essay is riddled with mechanical/grammatical/spelling errors.
Tips: A 4 or 3 essay may do no more than assert a position without developing it.
A 2 essay may have little success in developing a position.
A 1-2 essay indicates a major lack of understanding and control. It may also indicate severe
writing problems.
This essay receives a score of __________ because _______________________________________
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Appraiser(s):