| Criteria | 1 – Below Expectations | 2 – Approaching Expectations | 3 – Meeting Expectations | 4 – Exceeding Expectations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claim | The claim is unclear or missing. | The claim is somewhat clear but lacks specificity. | The claim is clear and identifies an adjective that represents the character. | The claim is clear, specific, and insightful. |
| Introduction | The introduction is missing or does not introduce the topic effectively. | The introduction is weak and lacks engagement. | The introduction provides background information and states the purpose of the essay. | The introduction hooks the reader and clearly presents the topic. |
| Evidence | Little to no evidence is provided to support the claim. | Some evidence is included but is not fully relevant or explained. | Relevant evidence is provided to support the claim. | Detailed and compelling evidence is effectively used to support the claim. |
| In-Text Citations | In-text citations are missing or incorrectly formatted. | Some in-text citations are included but are not consistently formatted. | In-text citations are included and correctly formatted. | In-text citations are consistently included and properly formatted. |
| Justification | Justification for the claim is unclear or missing. | Justification for the claim is somewhat explained but lacks depth. | Justification for the claim is provided with some explanation. | Justification for the claim is thorough, insightful, and well-supported. |
| Conclusion | The conclusion is missing or does not effectively wrap up the essay. | The conclusion is weak and does not restate the main points. | The conclusion restates the main points and provides a brief summary. | The conclusion effectively summarizes the argument and leaves a lasting impression. |
| Organization | The essay lacks a clear organizational structure. | The organization is somewhat confusing and disrupts the flow of the essay. | The essay is organized with a logical progression of ideas. | The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. |
| Conventions | Multiple errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling are present throughout the essay. | Some errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling are present in the essay. | There are few errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling in the essay. | The essay demonstrates strong command of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. |
| Development | The essay lacks development and is underdeveloped. | Some ideas are underdeveloped and lack detail. | Most ideas are developed with sufficient detail. | All ideas are fully developed with rich detail and depth. |
| Structure | The essay lacks a clear structure and coherence. | The structure is somewhat unclear and does not fully support the argument. | The essay follows a clear structure that supports the argument. | The essay is exceptionally well-structured, enhancing the argument’s impact. |