| Criteria / Topics | 4 Points | 3 Points | 2 Points | 1 Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis | The essay clearly presents a strong thesis statement that effectively compares and contrasts the speeches of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. | The essay presents a thesis statement that compares and contrasts the speeches of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., but it may lack clarity or strength. | The essay attempts to present a thesis statement comparing and contrasting the speeches of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., but it is unclear or weak. | The essay does not have a clear thesis statement comparing and contrasting the speeches of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Evidence | The essay provides strong and relevant evidence from both speeches to support the comparisons and contrasts made. | The essay provides evidence from both speeches to support the comparisons and contrasts made, but it may lack some relevance or strength. | The essay attempts to provide evidence from both speeches to support the comparisons and contrasts made, but it may be limited or not fully relevant. | The essay does not provide sufficient evidence from both speeches to support the comparisons and contrasts made. |
| Explain | The essay thoroughly explains the significance of the evidence provided and clearly connects it to the comparisons and contrasts made. | The essay explains the significance of the evidence provided and connects it to the comparisons and contrasts made, but some connections may be unclear or incomplete. | The essay attempts to explain the significance of the evidence provided and connect it to the comparisons and contrasts made, but the explanations may be limited or lack clarity. | The essay does not effectively explain the significance of the evidence provided or connect it to the comparisons and contrasts made. |
| Reasoning | The essay demonstrates strong and logical reasoning throughout, effectively supporting the comparisons and contrasts made. | The essay demonstrates logical reasoning throughout, supporting the comparisons and contrasts made, but some reasoning may be weak or inconsistent. | The essay attempts to demonstrate reasoning to support the comparisons and contrasts made, but the reasoning may be limited or lack coherence. | The essay does not effectively demonstrate reasoning to support the comparisons and contrasts made. |
| Transition Words | The essay effectively uses a variety of transition words and phrases to smoothly guide the reader through the comparisons and contrasts made. | The essay uses transition words and phrases to guide the reader through the comparisons and contrasts made, but some transitions may be awkward or repetitive. | The essay attempts to use transition words and phrases to guide the reader through the comparisons and contrasts made, but the transitions may be limited or lack coherence. | The essay does not effectively use transition words and phrases to guide the reader through the comparisons and contrasts made. |
| Grammar and Spelling | The essay demonstrates excellent grammar and spelling throughout, with no errors that interfere with understanding. | The essay demonstrates good grammar and spelling overall, with only minor errors that do not significantly interfere with understanding. | The essay demonstrates some errors in grammar and spelling that may occasionally interfere with understanding. | The essay demonstrates significant errors in grammar and spelling that consistently interfere with understanding. |