| Focus |
Clearly states a strong opinion on the difficulties slaves faced, maintaining focus throughout the paper. |
States an opinion on the difficulties slaves faced, with minor lapses in focus. |
States an opinion, but it is unclear or lacks focus on the difficulties slaves faced. |
Does not clearly state an opinion or focus on the difficulties slaves faced. |
| Organization |
Uses a clear and logical structure with a strong introduction, body, and conclusion. Transitions are smooth and enhance the flow. |
Uses a logical structure with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Transitions are present but may be awkward. |
Attempts a structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion, but it may be confusing or lack transitions. |
Lacks a clear structure. The paper is disorganized and difficult to follow. |
| Development |
Provides detailed and relevant reasons and examples that strongly support the opinion. |
Provides reasons and examples that support the opinion, but they may lack detail or relevance. |
Provides few reasons or examples, and they may not clearly support the opinion. |
Provides little to no support for the opinion with reasons or examples. |
| Language and Vocabulary |
Uses precise and varied language and vocabulary to effectively convey ideas. |
Uses appropriate language and vocabulary, but may lack variety or precision. |
Uses basic language and vocabulary that may be repetitive or unclear. |
Uses limited or inappropriate language and vocabulary, making ideas unclear. |
| Conventions: Mechanics, Grammar, and Spelling |
Demonstrates strong command of conventions with few or no errors in mechanics, grammar, and spelling. |
Demonstrates adequate command of conventions with some errors in mechanics, grammar, and spelling. |
Demonstrates limited command of conventions with frequent errors in mechanics, grammar, and spelling. |
Demonstrates little to no command of conventions with numerous errors in mechanics, grammar, and spelling. |
