Category

Above Standards

Organization
(10)

Essay is focused and

well organized with
effective use of
transitions.

Essay is organized,
with effective use
of transitions.

Essay is generally
organized,
transitions need
some work.

Essay is
disorganized and
much of the essay is
unfocused.

Focus
(10)

Takes a clear
position and
supports it
consistently with
well-chosen reasons
or examples.

Takes a clear
position and
supports it
consistently with
reasons or examples.

Takes a position,
but provides uneven
support, lacks
development and
parts are
repetitive.

Attempts to take a
position, but
position is unclear
and support provided
is minimal.

Evidence and Support

(10)

All evidence is
relevant and
explanation is
given. Sources are
cited in proper
format.

Most of the evidence

is relevant and
explanations are
given. Sources are
cited in proper
format.

Examples are not

well support and/or
sources are not
cited in proper
format.

Author makes no
spelling, grammar or
punctuation errors.

Author makes a few

spelling, grammar or
punctuation errors.

Author makes several

spelling, grammar or
punctuation errors.

Mechanics
(10)

Meeting

Approaching

Below

No examples are
given and sources
are not cited.

Author makes too

many errors that
distract the reader
from the content.

MLA Errors
(-10%)

Any MLA related error will lose 10% of your final score.

Due Date
(-20%)

If you submitted your paper after the due date, you will lose 20% of your final
score.