| Criteria | Excellent (25 points) | Good (20 points) | Fair (15 points) | Poor (10 points) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | Clear, strong thesis that takes a definitive stance and is well-supported throughout the essay. | Clear thesis that takes a stance and is mostly supported throughout the essay. | Thesis is present but may be unclear or not consistently supported throughout the essay. | Thesis is unclear or missing, with little to no support throughout the essay. |
| Organization | Essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Transitions effectively connect ideas. | Essay is organized with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Some transitions connect ideas. | Essay has a basic structure but may lack clear organization. Transitions are minimal or ineffective. | Essay lacks clear organization and structure. Transitions are absent or confusing. |
| Argument Development | Arguments are well-developed with clear reasoning and strong examples. Counterarguments are effectively addressed. | Arguments are developed with clear reasoning and examples. Some counterarguments are addressed. | Arguments are present but may lack clear reasoning or examples. Counterarguments are minimally addressed. | Arguments are unclear or unsupported. Counterarguments are not addressed. |
| Language and Style | Language is clear, precise, and appropriate for the audience. Style enhances the argument. | Language is clear and appropriate for the audience. Style is consistent with the argument. | Language is basic and may not be consistently appropriate for the audience. Style is inconsistent. | Language is unclear or inappropriate for the audience. Style detracts from the argument. |
| Grammar and Mechanics | Essay is free from grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. | Essay has few grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. | Essay has several grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. | Essay has numerous grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. |