OPINION ESSAY BODY PARAGRAH CRITERIA
CRITERIA 4 3
Interesting, original topic
sentence, reflecting
3 Topic Sentence thought and insight;
focused on one
interesting main idea.
Interesting, concrete and
descriptive examples and
4 Supporting Details details with explanations
that relate to the thesis
statement. There are
examples of the opinion.
Thoughtful, logical
progression of supporting
examples; Mature
4 Organization and transitions between
Transitions ideas. Variety of
sequencing and linking
words. (If, unless)
Formal, variety in
sentence structure,
4 Style strong word choices.
Consistent standard
English grammar, spelling,
4 Mechanics and punctuation. No
errors.
There is evidence that
some research has been
Academic Honesty conducted and secondary
4 sources have been used.
The sources have been
listed in the correct MLA
format.
The work has been The work has been
2 submitted before submitted one day after
the deadline. the deadline.
2 1
Missing, invalid, or
Clearly stated topic Acceptable topic inappropriate topic
sentence presents one sentence presents one sentence, main
main idea. idea. idea is missing.
Examples and details Few number of Insufficient, vague,
relate to the thesis examples and details or undeveloped
statement and some that relate to the thesis thesis statement.
explanation is included. statement. There are There are no details
There are missing details few details of the or examples.
about the opinion. opinion.
Details are arranged in a Acceptable arrangement No discernible
logical progression; of examples, transitions pattern of
appropriate transitions. may be weak. Not organization;
Quite a variety of enough sequencing and Unrelated details;
sequencing and linking linking words. (If, unless) No transitions. No
words. (If, unless) sequencing or
linking words.
Quite formal, clear Semi-formal, some Informal, unclear, or
sentences with varied variety in sentence incomplete
structures, effective structures, not very sentences, poor
word choices. strong word choices. word choice.
Some errors, but none A few errors in usage, Distracting errors in
major, in usage, spelling, spelling, or punctuation. usage, spelling, or
or punctuation. punctuation
Secondary sources have Secondary sources have The work is partially
been used but the been used but there are or completely
references are not listed no references. plagiarized or done
in the MLA format. by somebody else.
No sources have
been provided.
The work has been The work has been The work has not
submitted two days after submitted with more been submitted.
the deadline. than two days delay
after the deadline.