Criteria |
Excellent (4 points) |
Good (3 points) |
Fair (2 points) |
Poor (1 point) |
Thesis Statement |
Clear, concise, and well-defined thesis that addresses the prompt and provides a strong argument. |
Clear thesis that addresses the prompt but may lack some precision or strength. |
Thesis is present but unclear or not directly addressing the prompt. |
Thesis is missing or does not address the prompt. |
Introduction |
Engaging introduction that provides relevant background information and clearly sets up the essay. |
Good introduction that provides some background information and sets up the essay. |
Introduction is present but lacks engagement or sufficient background information. |
Introduction is missing or does not provide relevant background information. |
Supporting Arguments |
Three or more well-developed arguments that are clearly explained and supported with evidence. |
Two or more well-developed arguments that are explained and supported with evidence. |
One or two arguments that are somewhat developed but lack sufficient explanation or evidence. |
Arguments are unclear, unsupported, or missing. |
Use of Evidence |
Strong and relevant evidence is used to support arguments; sources are cited correctly. |
Relevant evidence is used to support arguments; sources are mostly cited correctly. |
Some evidence is used but may not be entirely relevant or well-cited. |
Little to no evidence is used, or evidence is irrelevant and not cited. |
Counterarguments |
Effectively addresses and refutes counterarguments with clear reasoning and evidence. |
Addresses counterarguments with some reasoning and evidence. |
Mentions counterarguments but does not effectively refute them. |
Does not address counterarguments. |
Conclusion |
Strong conclusion that summarizes the main points and reinforces the thesis. |
Good conclusion that summarizes the main points and reinforces the thesis. |
Conclusion is present but may be weak or not fully summarize the main points. |
Conclusion is missing or does not summarize the main points. |
Organization |
Essay is well-organized with clear transitions between paragraphs. |
Essay is organized with some clear transitions between paragraphs. |
Essay has some organization but lacks clear transitions. |
Essay is poorly organized and lacks clear transitions. |
Grammar and Mechanics |
Free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. |
Few grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. |
Several grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. |
Many grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. |