| Criteria | Excellent (5 points) | Good (4 points) | Fair (3 points) | Poor (2 points) | Unsatisfactory (1 point) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | Clear, concise, and well-defined thesis that takes a strong, arguable position. | Clear thesis that takes a position, but may lack some precision or depth. | Thesis is present but may be unclear or not fully arguable. | Thesis is vague or not clearly positioned. | No clear thesis statement is present. |
| Argument Development | Arguments are logical, well-structured, and thoroughly supported with evidence. | Arguments are mostly logical and supported with evidence, but may lack depth. | Arguments are present but may be underdeveloped or lack sufficient evidence. | Arguments are poorly developed and lack supporting evidence. | No clear arguments or evidence are presented. |
| Use of Sources | Integrates a variety of credible sources effectively to support arguments. | Uses credible sources to support arguments, though integration may be uneven. | Uses some sources, but they may not all be credible or well-integrated. | Relies on few sources, with questionable credibility or poor integration. | Does not use sources or uses non-credible sources. |
| Organization | Essay is well-organized with clear transitions and logical flow. | Essay is organized with some transitions, though flow may be uneven. | Essay has basic organization but lacks clear transitions. | Essay is poorly organized with little logical flow. | Essay lacks organization and logical flow. |
| Grammar and Mechanics | Few to no errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Some minor errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Noticeable errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. | Numerous errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling that hinder understanding. |
| Conclusion | Strong conclusion that effectively summarizes the argument and reinforces the thesis. | Conclusion summarizes the argument and reinforces the thesis, but may lack impact. | Conclusion is present but may be weak or not fully reinforce the thesis. | Conclusion is unclear or does not effectively summarize the argument. | No clear conclusion is present. |