Criteria |
2 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
Intro/Conclusion/Thesis |
Thesis is unclear or missing. Introduction and conclusion are weak. |
Thesis is present but lacks clarity. Introduction and conclusion are somewhat developed. |
Thesis is clear but may lack complexity. Introduction and conclusion are adequately developed. |
Thesis is clear and insightful. Introduction and conclusion are well-developed. |
Thesis is strong, nuanced, and engaging. Introduction and conclusion are compelling. |
Topic Sentences and Transitions |
Topic sentences are unclear or missing. Transitions are choppy or absent. |
Topic sentences are present but may lack clarity. Transitions are somewhat effective. |
Topic sentences are clear but may lack depth. Transitions are adequately used. |
Topic sentences are clear and insightful. Transitions are effective. |
Topic sentences are strong, nuanced, and engaging. Transitions are seamless. |
Evidence |
Little to no relevant evidence provided. Evidence is inaccurate or irrelevant. |
Some relevant evidence provided but lacks depth. Evidence may be somewhat inaccurate or irrelevant. |
Relevant evidence provided but may lack thorough analysis. Evidence is mostly accurate. |
Relevant evidence provided with insightful analysis. Evidence is accurate. |
Rich, varied, and relevant evidence provided with thorough analysis. Evidence is accurate and effectively supports arguments. |
Commentary/Analysis |
Analysis is superficial or missing. Commentary lacks depth. |
Analysis is somewhat developed but lacks insight. Commentary may be repetitive. |
Analysis is adequate but may lack complexity. Commentary is mostly clear. |
Analysis is insightful and well-developed. Commentary is clear and engaging. |
Analysis is sophisticated and nuanced. Commentary is compelling and adds depth to the discussion. |
Style/Vocab/Sentence Structure |
Writing style is inconsistent or inappropriate. Limited vocabulary and poor sentence structure. |
Writing style is somewhat consistent. Vocabulary and sentence structure are basic. |
Writing style is adequate but may lack sophistication. Vocabulary and sentence structure are appropriate. |
Writing style is engaging and coherent. Vocabulary and sentence structure enhance the essay. |
Writing style is polished and sophisticated. Varied vocabulary and strong sentence structure enhance the essay significantly. |
Mechanics and Coherence |
Many errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Lack of coherence. |
Some errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Coherence is somewhat lacking. |
Few errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Coherence is adequate. |
Minor errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Coherence is well-maintained. |
Almost no errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Coherence is strong throughout. |