| Criteria / Topics | 0-10 | 0-10 | 0-10 | 0-10 | 0-15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | Thesis statement is missing or unclear. | Thesis statement is weak or lacks focus. | Thesis statement is somewhat clear and focused. | Thesis statement is clear and focused. | Thesis statement is exceptionally clear, focused, and engaging. |
| Organization, Focus, Coherence | Essay lacks organization, focus, and coherence. | Essay is somewhat organized, focused, and coherent. | Essay is mostly organized, focused, and coherent. | Essay is well-organized, focused, and coherent. | Essay is exceptionally well-organized, focused, and coherent. |
| Grammar Conventions | Multiple grammar errors throughout the essay. | Several grammar errors throughout the essay. | Some grammar errors throughout the essay. | Few grammar errors throughout the essay. | No grammar errors throughout the essay. |
| Formal Word Choice | Informal or inappropriate word choice throughout the essay. | Some informal or inappropriate word choice throughout the essay. | Mostly formal and appropriate word choice throughout the essay. | Consistently formal and appropriate word choice throughout the essay. | Exceptionally formal and appropriate word choice throughout the essay. |
| Fragments and Run-ons | Multiple fragments and run-ons throughout the essay. | Several fragments and run-ons throughout the essay. | Some fragments and run-ons throughout the essay. | Few fragments and run-ons throughout the essay. | No fragments or run-ons throughout the essay. |