| Criteria | 100-96 A | 95-90 A- | 89-87 B+ | 86-84 B | 80-83 B- | 79-77 C+ | 76-74 C | 70-73 C- | 69-67 D+ | 66-64 D | 60-63 D- | 0-59 F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Engaging introduction that sets up the essay effectively. | Effective introduction that introduces the topic clearly. | Introduction is present but could be more engaging. | Introduction is somewhat unclear or lacks engagement. | Introduction is missing or does not introduce the topic. | Introduction is missing or irrelevant. | Introduction is missing or irrelevant. | Introduction is missing or irrelevant. | Introduction is missing or irrelevant. | Introduction is missing or irrelevant. | Introduction is missing or irrelevant. | |
| Claim | Clear and strong claim that addresses the theme of the novel. | Clear claim that addresses the theme of the novel. | Claim is present but could be stronger or more focused. | Claim is somewhat unclear or not directly related to the theme. | Claim is missing or irrelevant. | Claim is missing or irrelevant. | Claim is missing or irrelevant. | Claim is missing or irrelevant. | Claim is missing or irrelevant. | Claim is missing or irrelevant. | Claim is missing or irrelevant. | |
| Evidence | Multiple pieces of strong evidence from the text that support the claim. | Several pieces of evidence from the text that support the claim. | Some evidence from the text is provided but could be stronger or more relevant. | Limited evidence from the text is provided and may not fully support the claim. | Little to no evidence from the text is provided. | Little to no evidence from the text is provided. | Little to no evidence from the text is provided. | Little to no evidence from the text is provided. | Little to no evidence from the text is provided. | Little to no evidence from the text is provided. | Little to no evidence from the text is provided. | |
| Justification | Thorough and detailed explanations that connect evidence to the claim. | Clear explanations that connect evidence to the claim. | Explanations are present but may lack depth or clarity. | Explanations are somewhat unclear or do not fully connect evidence to the claim. | Explanations are missing or insufficient. | Explanations are missing or insufficient. | Explanations are missing or insufficient. | Explanations are missing or insufficient. | Explanations are missing or insufficient. | Explanations are missing or insufficient. | Explanations are missing or insufficient. | |
| Organization | Well-organized essay with clear structure and logical flow of ideas. | Essay is organized with a clear structure and logical flow of ideas. | Essay is somewhat organized but may lack coherence in some areas. | Essay is somewhat disorganized and lacks a clear structure. | Essay is poorly organized and lacks coherence. | Essay is poorly organized and lacks coherence. | Essay is poorly organized and lacks coherence. | Essay is poorly organized and lacks coherence. | Essay is poorly organized and lacks coherence. | Essay is poorly organized and lacks coherence. | Essay is poorly organized and lacks coherence. | |
| Mechanics | Almost no errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Few errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Some errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Several errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Many errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Many errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Many errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Many errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Many errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Many errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Many errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | |
| Format | Essay follows the correct format with appropriate structure and citation. | Essay mostly follows the correct format with some minor deviations. | Essay follows the basic format but may have some inconsistencies. | Essay deviates from the expected format in several areas. | Essay does not follow the required format. | Essay does not follow the required format. | Essay does not follow the required format. | Essay does not follow the required format. | Essay does not follow the required format. | Essay does not follow the required format. | Essay does not follow the required format. |