| Criteria | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose, Focus, and Organization | The essay lacks a clear purpose, focus, and organization. | The purpose, focus, and organization of the essay are somewhat clear. | The essay has a clear purpose, focus, and organization. | The purpose, focus, and organization of the essay are well-developed and effectively maintained. |
| Evidence and Elaboration | There is little to no evidence provided to support the argument. | Some evidence is provided, but it lacks elaboration or relevance. | Evidence is provided to support the argument with some elaboration. | Strong and relevant evidence is provided with thorough elaboration to support the argument. |
| Grammar, Spelling, and Mechanics | There are numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and mechanics that hinder understanding. | There are several errors in grammar, spelling, and mechanics that distract from the writing. | There are minor errors in grammar, spelling, and mechanics that do not significantly impact understanding. | The essay demonstrates strong command of grammar, spelling, and mechanics with few to no errors. |