|
|
Excellent
(200-180 pts.) |
Good
(179-160 pts.) |
Average
(159-140 pts.) |
Poor
(139-120 pts) |
Failing
(120-0 pts.) |
| Thesis |
Essay is based on a clear, well defined thesis. Thesis is
original and goes beyond the ideas in class |
A clear thesis that is well developed |
A controlling idea. Thesis doesn't answer a how or why
question. |
Thesis is vague or irrelevant. |
No discernable thesis. |
| Analysis and Development |
Topic thoroughly discussed. Strong development of
ideas. Shows a command of the conceptual and interpretive
tasks of the assignment. |
Ideas are well explained and developed. Shows a
solid understanding of the text, ideas and the assignment. |
Logical organization but not smooth. Some errors of
fact, but shows an overall understanding of the assignment. |
Inadequate command of the material with significant
factual or conceptual errors. |
Unfocused, rambling discussion. Essay does not
respond to the assignment. |
| Evidence |
The essay includes well chosen examples and evidence that
are central to the thesis. Sources properly and fully
cited. |
Evidence used well; clearly explained and supports thesis;
adequate source citation. |
Generalizations unsupported by evidence. Some evidence
cited by not explained nor connected to the thesis. Few quoted
sources; some citation problems. |
Little or no specific evidence. Significant citation
errors. |
No evidence given. A summary of lecture or texts. No
citations. |
| Interpretation of Evidence |
Clear original interpretation of evidence; independent
thinking; fresh ideas. |
Some originality of thought.; evidence explained and
interpreted. |
Relies on summarizing. Shallow analysis. Ideas are obvious
from the reading. |
No explanation or interpretation. Writer's viewpoint is
unclear. |
Little or no development. Vaguest generalizations and
misinformation. |
| Transitions |
Essay moves easily from one point to the next. Fully
developed paragraphs with good topic sentences. Paragraphs are
linked to one another. |
Clear transitions, the development of coherent ideas in
unified paragraphs. |
Some awkward transitions, weak or undeveloped paragraphs
not clearly connected to one another. |
Digresses from one topic to another without linking those
topics or ideas together. |
No transitions and incoherent paragraphs. |
| Grammar and Style |
Sophisticated sentences, chooses words aptly, and observes
all the conventions of English grammar. |
A good command of English with occasional stylistic or
grammar problems. |
A tendency toward wordiness, unclear or awkward sentences,
imprecise use of words and grammatical errors. Overuse
of the passive voice. |
Major grammatical problems; Incomplete sentences and
confusing or unclear writing. |
Unreadable owing to the violation of the basic rules of
grammar. |
| Title |
Title is original and conveys interpretation. |
Title clearly signifies your interpretation. |
Title copied from chapter, sources or assignment sheet. |
Unrelated or unclear title. |
No title given. |