GroupEssay:English102

Exceeds expectations
Meets expectations
Mostly meets expectations
Needs improvement
Description of Expectations Does not meet expectations

1,500 words minimum

5 sources minimum

Introduction paragraph(s) engage the intended audience creatively, flow smoothly, clarify the essays
topic and scope, and provide enough information for readers to understand and take interest in the thesis
statement

Introduction paragraphs end with a thesis statement that is an interesting, specific, complex, and
debatable main point / the thesis clearly and concisely (no more than a single sentence) conveys what
the essay, overall, intends to prove

The first sentence of each paragraph presents an assertive and specific sub-point to prove and defends a
unique part of the thesis statement, breaking the essay down into manageable sections and paragraphs,
and maintaining unity and focus throughout by reminding readers of the connection to the thesis
statement

Sub-points are thoroughly supported with a variety of relevant, accurate, credible and convincing
information / information represents diverse points of view and mostly presents objective information to
establish a balance of perspectives and deal with opposing positions

Information is properly integrated in writing using SIP format: sources are introduced with effective signal
phrases, properly paraphrased (and/or rarely quoted), and cited using MLA in-text parenthetical citation
style to match the works cited section at the end of the essay

Signal phrases are varied and improve the ethos of the essay by revealing, in writing, the most credible
attributes of each source

Sub-points and supporting information are further developed within paragraphs with logical and detailed
reasoning/explanations/analysis, connecting the information to the sub-points and the sub-points to the
main point in a manner that reveals genuine critical thinking and forms an argument

Body paragraphs provide relevant and sufficient background information to give context and
understanding for the points / placement is well planned so that the reader is able to follow the argument
with minimal confusion/distraction

Conclusion paragraph creatively wraps up the ideas in the essay and emphasizes the significance of the
main point (argument) expressed in the thesis statement without introducing new points

Overall organization (at the sentence, paragraph, and essay level) aids in understanding and readability

Transitions (at the sentence, paragraph, and essay level) improve the flow of the writing and emphasize
the organizational structure effectively to aid in understanding and readability

Voice is effective for the audience and purpose: academic, mature, and consistent (the author avoids the
pronoun I, eliminates you and does not refer to the essay or course within itself)

The author uses linguistic design, vocabulary/word choice, to develop an effective tone and style for
engaging the audience / language is clear and precise to convey intended meaning accurately

The author uses other elements of design (audio, visual, gestural, and spatial) to engage the audience,
and incorporates rhetorical appeals into writing and design in a balanced manner

Sentences are varied, complex, and controlled; the essay contains few or no mechanical errors
(spelling/usage, punctuation, grammar)

Works cited section is accurately formatted in MLA style (sources are listed in alphabetical order)