Criteria

10

Thesis: Quality of
Focus

The thesis is arguable, valid,

and unique.

The thesis is arguable

and valid.

The thesis is valid.

Textual Evidence:
Context

There is appropriate and

relevant information
necessary to understand the
quote that follows, identifying
who, what, when, where,
and/or why when applicable

There is information
introducing the
support, however it is
not relevant in
understanding the
context of the quote or
there is not ample
information given in
introducing the support

There is information
introducing the support,
however it is not relevant in
understanding the context
of the quote and there is
not ample information
given in introducing the
support

Textual Evidence:
Support

The support was chosen

because it proves the thesis
correct and furthers the thrust
of the paper. All examples
use a perfect amount of text
to support claims, and are
integrated in the essay
seamlessly.

The support was

chosen because it is
somewhat related to
the thesis. Examples
typically function to
paraphrase the text,
not prove a thesis or
supporting claim
correct.

The support was chosen

because it qualifies as
words in a book that was
assigned to be read, and
the student is under the
misimpression that any
quote works if it was
chosen from the text.

Textual Evidence:
Explication

The support is not

summarized, but instead built
upon to explain how it
supports the claims made by
the thesis. The explication
does not simply restate the
thesis, but shows how the
thesis is proven through
support.

The explication ties

back to the thesis
statement, but does
not add anything new
to the claim presented.
While support is
explained, it is not
clear how it proves the
thesis statement to be
valid, arguable, and
unique.

Explanation of support is
simply a summary or
paraphrase of the quote,
leading to a summary of
the plot.

Transitions: Ability to
connect various claims
together coherently

Seamless transitions that

subtly allow for movement
between claims.

Transitions are
obvious, but indicate
movement in thought.
First, Second, Last
indicate the simplistic
nature of these
transitions.

No transitions

Grammar and
Mechanics

Fewer than 5 grammatical

mistakes

5-10 grammatical
mistakes

Over 10 grammatical
mistakes