| Criteria | Scoring Scale | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – Incomplete | 1 – Below Basic | 2 – Basic | 3 – Proficient | 4 – Advanced | |
| Organization | Essay lacks clear structure and organization. | Essay has some organization, but it is difficult to follow the main ideas. | Essay is generally organized, with clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. | Essay is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that support the thesis, and a strong conclusion. | Essay is exceptionally well-organized, with a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a compelling conclusion. |
| Purpose | Essay does not clearly state a purpose or argument. | Essay states a purpose or argument, but it is not well-developed or convincing. | Essay states a purpose or argument, and it is generally clear and convincing. | Essay states a clear purpose or argument, and it is well-developed and convincing. | Essay states a clear and compelling purpose or argument, and it is effectively developed and highly convincing. |
| Citing Evidence | Essay does not cite any evidence from the Constitution or other sources. | Essay cites some evidence, but it is not relevant or accurately supports the argument. | Essay cites relevant evidence from the Constitution, but it may not be fully explained or analyzed. | Essay cites relevant evidence from the Constitution and explains its significance in relation to the argument. | Essay cites multiple pieces of relevant evidence from the Constitution and effectively explains their significance in relation to the argument. |
| Explaining the Evidence | Essay does not explain the cited evidence or its connection to the argument. | Essay attempts to explain the cited evidence, but the explanations are unclear or incomplete. | Essay explains the cited evidence and its connection to the argument, but the explanations may lack depth or clarity. | Essay explains the cited evidence and its connection to the argument with clarity and some depth. | Essay provides thorough and insightful explanations of the cited evidence and its connection to the argument. |
| Conventions of Grammar | Essay contains numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that hinder understanding. | Essay contains some errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that occasionally hinder understanding. | Essay demonstrates basic control of grammar, spelling, and punctuation, with occasional errors that do not hinder understanding. | Essay demonstrates proficient control of grammar, spelling, and punctuation, with few errors that do not hinder understanding. | Essay demonstrates advanced control of grammar, spelling, and punctuation, with virtually no errors. |