| Criteria | 10 Points | 8 Points | 6 Points | 4 Points | 2 Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hook/Content | Engaging and relevant hook that clearly introduces the topic and grabs the reader’s attention. | Relevant hook that introduces the topic but may not fully engage the reader. | Hook is present but lacks relevance or fails to engage the reader. | Weak or unclear hook that does not effectively introduce the topic. | No hook or introduction is present. |
| Thesis | Clear, concise thesis that effectively states the main points of comparison and contrast. | Thesis states the main points but lacks clarity or conciseness. | Thesis is present but unclear or incomplete. | Thesis is vague or does not address the main points of the essay. | No thesis statement is present. |
| Topic Sentences | Clear and focused topic sentences that guide each paragraph and relate directly to the thesis. | Topic sentences are present but may lack clarity or direct relation to the thesis. | Some topic sentences are unclear or do not effectively guide the paragraph. | Topic sentences are weak or often missing. | No topic sentences are present. |
| Use of Evidence | Strong and relevant evidence from both texts is used to support the thesis. | Evidence is used but may not be consistently strong or relevant. | Some evidence is used but is often weak or irrelevant. | Little evidence is used, and it is generally weak or irrelevant. | No evidence is used to support the thesis. |
| Analysis of Evidence | Thorough and insightful analysis that clearly connects evidence to the thesis. | Analysis is present but may lack depth or clear connection to the thesis. | Some analysis is present but is often unclear or superficial. | Analysis is weak or often missing. | No analysis of evidence is present. |
| Quote-Weaving | Quotes are seamlessly integrated into the text, enhancing the argument. | Quotes are integrated but may not always enhance the argument. | Quotes are present but poorly integrated. | Quotes are awkwardly integrated or often missing. | No quotes are used. |
| Concluding Sentences | Strong concluding sentences that effectively summarize the paragraph and transition to the next. | Concluding sentences are present but may lack strength or clarity. | Some concluding sentences are unclear or ineffective. | Concluding sentences are weak or often missing. | No concluding sentences are present. |
| Transitions | Effective transitions that smoothly connect ideas and paragraphs. | Transitions are present but may not always be smooth or effective. | Some transitions are unclear or awkward. | Transitions are weak or often missing. | No transitions are used. |
| Conclusion | Strong conclusion that effectively summarizes the essay and reinforces the thesis. | Conclusion is present but may lack strength or clarity. | Conclusion is present but unclear or incomplete. | Weak or ineffective conclusion. | No conclusion is present. |
| Objective Style | Consistently maintains an objective and formal tone throughout the essay. | Generally maintains an objective tone with minor lapses. | Some lapses in objective tone. | Frequent lapses in objective tone. | Does not maintain an objective tone. |
| General Formatting/Grammar | Essay is well-formatted with minimal grammar errors. | Generally well-formatted with some grammar errors. | Formatting and grammar errors are noticeable. | Frequent formatting and grammar errors. | Significant formatting and grammar errors. |