| Criteria | 10 | 5 | 0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | The thesis statement clearly states the main idea and purpose of the paper, and is supported throughout the essay. | The thesis statement is somewhat clear, but may lack focus or coherence. | The thesis statement is unclear or missing. |
| Organization, Focus, Coherence | The paper is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that flow logically, and a strong conclusion. The paper maintains focus on the topic and demonstrates coherence in ideas. | The paper is somewhat organized, but may lack a clear structure or flow. The focus and coherence of ideas may be inconsistent. | The paper is disorganized, lacks focus, and does not demonstrate coherence in ideas. |
| Grammar Conventions (Spelling/Capitalization/Punctuation) | The paper is virtually free of spelling, capitalization, and punctuation errors. The writing is polished and professional. | The paper contains some spelling, capitalization, or punctuation errors, but they do not significantly impact the readability or understanding of the text. | The paper contains numerous spelling, capitalization, or punctuation errors that hinder the readability and understanding of the text. |
| Formal Word Choice | The paper consistently uses appropriate and sophisticated vocabulary that is suitable for an academic setting. | The paper uses mostly appropriate vocabulary, but may include some informal or imprecise language. | The paper uses informal or imprecise language that is not suitable for an academic setting. |