| Criteria | 1 (0-59)- Below Expectations | 2 (60-73%) Approaching Expectations | 3 (74-87%) – Meeting Expectations | 4 (88-100%) – Exceeding Expectations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | The thesis is unclear or missing. | The thesis is vague or somewhat unclear. | The thesis is clear and directly addresses the prompt. | The thesis is insightful, engaging, and effectively guides the paragraph. |
| Evidence | Quotations are missing or not relevant to the thesis. Parenthetical citations are not present. | Quotations are included but are not effectively integrated or analyzed. Parenthetical citations are attempted, but not correct. | Quotations are relevant and adequately support the thesis. Parenthetical citations are present, but may be lacking in correct punctuation. | Quotations are skillfully selected, integrated, and effectively support the thesis. Parenthetical citations are well utilized for each piece of evidence. |
| Analysis | Analysis is lacking or does not connect evidence to the thesis. | Analysis is limited and somewhat connects evidence to the thesis. | Analysis explains how evidence supports the thesis. | Analysis is insightful, thorough, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the text. |
| Summary Statement | The conclusion is missing or does not effectively summarize the points made. | The conclusion is weak and somewhat summarizes the points made. | The conclusion effectively summarizes the points made in the paragraph. | The conclusion is strong, insightful, and effectively summarizes the main points and ties together the paragraph. |
| MLA Format, Focus, Organization, Style, Conventions | Multiple errors in MLA format. Perhaps MLA format is missing in areas. Focus, organization, style, and conventions have many errors. | Some errors in MLA format, focus, organization, style, and conventions. | Adheres to MLA format, with clear focus, organized structure, appropriate style, and few errors in conventions. | Exemplary adherence to MLA format, strong focus, well-organized structure, engaging style, and minimal errors in conventions. |