Does Not Meet

Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Improving

Criteria Expectations
4 points 3 points 2 points
1 point

Thesis Statement/Main
Student is able to distill a Writing contains a clear Writing contains a thesis Writing does not contain a
Idea primary purpose into a thesis statement. statement but it is unclear thesis statement.
single, compelling or inadequately focused.
statement. Writing
contains a very clear thesis
statement.

Organization
Student is able to order
major points in a
reasonable and convincing
manner based on that
purpose. Writing has a
clear organization,
consistently executed.
Student is able to order Student is minimally able
major points in a to order major points in a
reasonable manner. reasonable manner.
Writing has a clear Writing has minimal
organization. organization, or is
inconsistently executed.
Student is NOT able to
order major points in a
reasonable manner.
Writing has does not
exhibit mastery or has no
clear organization.

Writing Style
Student is able to develop
their ideas using a writing
style appropriate to the
purpose of the
assignment. Writing
shows a consistently
executed and appropriate
style.
Student is able to develop Writing shows Writing shows no clear
their ideas using writing an inconsistent writing writing style or an
style appropriate to the style or shifts patterns inappropriate pattern was
assignment. Writing throughout the essay. used.
shows an appropriate
pattern.

Grammar and Errors

Student shows very good Student is able to Student is minimally able Student is NOT able to
use of standard diction, adequately use standard to use standard diction, employ standard diction,
syntax, usage, grammar, diction, syntax, usage, syntax, usage, grammar, syntax, usage, grammar,
and mechanics. Writing grammar, and mechanics. and mechanics. Writing and mechanics. Writing
shows few if any errors, Writing shows few errors has a few errors which do has enough errors to
none of which detract from which detract from the detract from the overall detract from the overall
the overall quality of the overall quality of the paper. quality of the paper. quality of the paper.
paper.

Use of References and

Student has done
Resources extensive research and
utilized information
gathered from multiple
sources. Writing uses
source material that clearly
supports the thesis and
provides consistent
documentation.
Student has gathered Student has done some Student is NOT able to
basic information from research to gather basic provide basic information
multiple sources. Writing information. Source gathered from multiple
shows use of source material does not sources. Source material
material that supports the consistently support the that does not support the
thesis and provides thesis, or has some thesis or provide adequate
adequate documentation. inconsistent or inadequate documentation.
documentation.

Does Not Meet

Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Improving
Overall Score Expectations
18 or more 13 or more 8 or more
0 or more

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