Name ___________________ Date _________ Grade/Section ______

Informational Essay Checklist: Introduction

Introduction Possible Points

Points Earned
The writer includes the title of the passage(s) and the author’s name(s)
(if given) in the topic sentence. This information is presented in the 1
same order as in the prompt.

The writer includes key words and phrases from the prompt in the
topic sentence. 1
The writer introduces a first reason or key point that is connected to the
prompt. It is relevant and makes sense. No text evidence is introduced. 1
The writer introduces a second reason or key point that is connected to
the prompt. It is relevant and makes sense. No text evidence is 1
introduced.

The writer introduces a third reason or key point that is connected to

the prompt. It is relevant and makes sense. No text evidence is 1
introduced.

The writer ends the introduction with a concluding sentence that

restates the topic sentence in a different way. 1

The writer’s introduction contains no more than (3) errors in grammar,

capitalization, spelling, and punctuation. 1

Total Points Earned for Introduction

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Informational Essay Checklist: Supporting Paragraph

Supporting Paragraph 1 Possible Points
Points Earned
The writer introduces the first key point from the introduction in the topic
sentence. It is relevant and connected to key words in the prompt. If there 1
are characters connected to the key point, they are mentioned in the topic
sentence.
The writer presents logical text evidence to support the reason and uses a
text stem. If there are multiple texts, the title of the text -or- the author’s 1
name is mentioned.
The writer extends the evidence using a text extension stem that makes
sense. The writer elaborates upon the text evidence by providing additional 1
details and examples to further develop and support the key point. The
writer does not repeat the same words and phrases from the text
evidence in the extension.
The writer ends the supporting paragraph with a concluding sentence that
logically wraps up the paragraph. The writer did not restate the topic 1
sentence word for word in the concluding sentence.

The writer’s supporting paragraph contains no more than (3) errors in

grammar, capitalization, spelling, and punctuation. 1

The writer presents a second piece of logical text evidence to support the 1
reason and uses a text stem in the paragraph. (optional) (point may be given if
the writer added an
additional piece of text
evidence)

The writer extends the second piece of evidence with a text extension 1
stem. (optional) (point may be given if
the writer added an
additional piece of text
evidence)

Total Points Earned for Supporting Paragraph 1

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Informational Essay Checklist: Conclusion

Conclusion Possible Points

Points Earned
The writer begins the concluding sentence with a transitional word or
phrase that effectively signals that the essay is about end. 1
The writer restates the topic sentence from the introduction in a
different way. The title of the passage and/or author’s name(s) are 1
included.
The writer repeats key words and phrases from the prompt in the topic
sentence. They are presented in the same order as in the prompt. 1
The writer restates the first reason or key point that is connected to the
prompt. It is relevant and makes sense. The writer also briefly explains 1
how the key point is connected to the character(s) in the passage.
The writer restates the second reason or key point that is connected to
the prompt. It is relevant and makes sense. The writer also briefly 1
explains how the key point is connected to the character(s) in the
passage.
The writer restates the third reason or key point that is connected to the
prompt. It is relevant and makes sense. The writer also briefly explains 1
how the key point is connected to the character(s) in the passage.

The concluding sentence is memorable and wraps up the essay in a

logical fashion. 1

Total Points Earned for Conclusion

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