| Criteria | 4 – Advanced (4 points) | 3 – Proficient (3 points) | 2 – Basic (2 points) | 1 – Below Basic (1 point) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus: What is your argument? | I introduced my topic with a clear claim. I stayed focused on my claim the entire time, and I made sure my argument was clear in each supporting paragraph. | I introduced my topic with a claim. I stayed on topic the whole time. My reader can easily figure out my argument. | I introduced my topic with a claim, but it is unclear. My reader can figure out my argument, but I got off topic a few times. | I did not introduce my topic or make a claim. I did not stay focused, and it is difficult for my reader to figure out my argument. |
| Organization: Why should your reader agree with you? | I was very careful about the order I wrote my paragraphs. I kept related ideas together in paragraphs. The order of my paragraphs helps my reader know what is most important to me. | I made sure to organize my writing and put related ideas together into paragraphs. The order I wrote my paragraphs in helps my reader understand my argument better. | I tried to stay organized, but some of my ideas should be in different paragraphs. I did not put my paragraphs in a particular order. | I did not make an effort to organize my writing. |
| Elaboration: What evidence and commentary back you up? | I have clear reasons that are supported by relevant facts and details. I did more research to add evidence to ideas I already had. | I supported my reasons with facts and details. I used evidence from research to support my reasons. | I supported my reasons, but I did not use much evidence from research. Most of my support comes from my own ideas. | I did not support my reasons. I did not do any research. |
| Language and Vocabulary: Make your ideas clear | I used transition words and phrases in a natural way to clarify the relationship between the claim and reasons. I revised my work to use a consistent formal style with precise and complex words that make writing easier to understand. | I used transition words and phrases to link my argument and reasons. I revised my work to use a formal style and complex words that make my writing easier to understand. | I used transition words and phrases, but they feel forced, or I used them incorrectly. I revised my writing, but my formal style is inconsistent, and I could have done more to make it better. | I did not use any transition words or phrases. My style is informal and vague. I did not revise my work to make it better or use complex words. |
| Conventions: Make it correct | I edited my work so well that there are no errors left. My citations and Works Cited page are complete and accurate. | I edited my work and took care of most of my original mistakes. My citations and Works Cited page are mostly complete and accurate. | I edited my work, but I left a lot of mistakes. My citations and Works Cited page are incomplete. | I did not edit my work, and there are a lot of mistakes that need to be fixed. My citations and Works Cited page are missing. |