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| Criteria | 4 Points | 3 Points | 2 Points | 1 Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Engaging lead/hook, clear topic sentence, and a well-written summary that introduces the essay’s focus. | Clear lead/hook, topic sentence, and summary that introduces the essay’s focus. | Basic lead/hook, topic sentence, and summary that somewhat introduces the essay’s focus. | Weak or missing lead/hook, unclear topic sentence, and summary that does not introduce the essay’s focus. |
| 2nd Paragraph | Strong main idea with 3 well-explained details/facts that clearly support the main idea. | Main idea with 3 details/facts that support the main idea. | Main idea with 2 details/facts that somewhat support the main idea. | Unclear main idea with 1 or no details/facts to support it. |
| 3rd Paragraph | Strong main idea with 3 well-explained details/facts that clearly support the main idea. | Main idea with 3 details/facts that support the main idea. | Main idea with 2 details/facts that somewhat support the main idea. | Unclear main idea with 1 or no details/facts to support it. |
| 4th Paragraph | Strong main idea with 3 well-explained details/facts that clearly support the main idea. | Main idea with 3 details/facts that support the main idea. | Main idea with 2 details/facts that somewhat support the main idea. | Unclear main idea with 1 or no details/facts to support it. |
| Conclusion | Effectively restates the topic sentence, summarizes the main ideas, and provides a strong closing. | Restates the topic sentence, summarizes the main ideas, and provides a closing. | Attempts to restate the topic sentence and summarize the main ideas, but the closing is weak. | Does not restate the topic sentence, lacks a summary of the main ideas, and has no clear closing. |
| Grammar | Few or no grammar and spelling mistakes. | Some grammar and spelling mistakes, but they do not interfere with understanding. | Several grammar and spelling mistakes that may interfere with understanding. | Numerous grammar and spelling mistakes that make the essay difficult to understand. |
| Turned in Star Outline & on time | Star Outline turned in on time with all required elements. | Star Outline turned in on time with most required elements. | Star Outline turned in late or missing several required elements. | Star Outline not turned in or missing many required elements. |
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