| Criteria | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | The purpose of the essay is unclear or not evident. | The purpose of the essay is somewhat clear, but it lacks focus. | The purpose of the essay is clear, but it could be more focused. | The purpose of the essay is clear and focused. | The purpose of the essay is clear, focused, and engaging. | |
| Focus | The essay lacks a clear main idea or has multiple unrelated ideas. | The essay has a main idea, but it is not consistently supported throughout. | The essay has a main idea that is supported, but some parts are not relevant. | The essay has a clear main idea that is consistently supported. | The essay has a clear and compelling main idea that is consistently supported. | |
| Organization | The essay lacks a logical structure and is difficult to follow. | The essay has some organization, but it is confusing or inconsistent. | The essay has a basic organizational structure, but it could be improved. | The essay has a clear organizational structure that enhances understanding. | The essay has a clear and effective organizational structure that enhances understanding. | |
| Evidence | The essay does not provide any evidence or examples to support ideas. | The essay provides some evidence, but it is not relevant or sufficient. | The essay provides relevant evidence, but it could be more detailed or specific. | The essay provides relevant and sufficient evidence to support ideas. | The essay provides relevant, detailed, and compelling evidence to support ideas. | |
| Elaboration | The essay lacks elaboration and does not provide enough details or explanations. | The essay includes some details or explanations, but they are not fully developed. | The essay includes details and explanations, but they could be more thorough. | The essay includes thorough details and explanations to support ideas. | The essay includes thorough and engaging details and explanations to support ideas. | |
| Conventions | The essay has numerous errors in grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling that make it difficult to understand. | The essay has several errors in grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling that occasionally interfere with understanding. | The essay has a few errors in grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling that occasionally interfere with understanding. | The essay has minor errors in grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling that do not interfere with understanding. | The essay has virtually no errors in grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling. |