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| Criteria | Excellent (10) | Proficient (8) | Developing (6) | Beginning (4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis and Introduction | Presents a clear, insightful thesis about power and control in Animal Farm. Compelling introduction engages the reader. | Clear thesis on power and control. Introduction provides context for the argument. | Thesis is present but may lack clarity or depth. Introduction provides limited context. | Thesis is unclear or missing. Introduction lacks focus and fails to provide adequate context. |
| Body Paragraph Structure | Each body paragraph has a strong topic sentence, specific focus, and flows logically with clear transitions. | Body paragraphs have topic sentences and stay mostly on topic. Transitions are generally effective. | Body paragraphs have weak topic sentences or deviate from the main point. Transitions are minimal or unclear. | Body paragraphs lack topic sentences, structure, and focus, making the argument difficult to follow. |
| Argument Development | Develops a sophisticated argument about propaganda, fear, and rule manipulation with insightful analysis. | Argument is clear and well-developed, with appropriate analysis on propaganda, fear, and rule manipulation. | Argument is somewhat unclear or repetitive; analysis is present but lacks depth or specificity. | Argument is weak, confusing, or repetitive, with minimal or superficial analysis. |
| Use of Evidence | Provides relevant, well-integrated quotes and examples from Animal Farm that strongly support the argument. | Provides quotes and examples that generally support the argument, though integration may be uneven at times. | Uses quotes or examples, but they are limited, repetitive, or weakly support the argument. | Lacks relevant evidence, or quotes and examples do not support the argument effectively. |
| Conclusion | Conclusion synthesizes key points effectively, reinforcing the thesis and Orwell’s warning about unchecked power. | Conclusion summarizes main points, reinforces the thesis, and acknowledges Orwell’s message on power and control. | Conclusion is present but may merely repeat points without reinforcing the thesis or Orwell’s overarching message. | Conclusion is unclear, missing, or fails to restate the thesis and does not address Orwell’s intended warning. |
| Language and Mechanics | Writing is clear, varied, and fluent. Few to no errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. | Writing is clear, with some variety. Minor errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation do not hinder readability. | Writing lacks clarity or variety. Noticeable errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation affect readability. | Writing is unclear and difficult to follow. Frequent errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation hinder understanding. |
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