CRITERIA Exceeds Expectations Meets Approaching Does not Meet Expectations

(4) Expectations Expectations (2) (1)

(3)
Intro/ Introduction sparks Introduction Introduction or No introduction and/or
Conclusion some interest and provides conclusion does conclusion.
effectively introduces context for not flow with the
reasonable argument. the argument of the
argument but paper.
Conclusion restates is obvious
arguments, but and/or basic. Introduction or
uses new language conclusion
and shows Conclusion contains blanket
understanding of the restates or vague
big picture. arguments, statements;
but needs
recycles development to
previous be effective.
statements
verbatim.
Thesis Thesis presents a Thesis is a Thesis Thesis not evident; thesis is a
reasonable opinion; plausible demonstrates fact or
argument is clear and argument; misunderstanding plot summary; thesis not in
focused. contains a of the prompt or correct position.
legitimate text.
opinion, but
somewhat
broad and
basic.
Topic Sentences Topic sentences Topic Topic sentences Topic sentences not evident
and articulate precise sentences are not linked to
Transitions argument; logically are present the
linked to thesis. and make thesis
an argument
connected to
the thesis;
however,
ideas are
obvious and
basic.
Evidence Your evidence is Evidence is Evidence chosen Little or no evidence;
believable and present, but does not support
convincing and superficial thesis/topic
supports your sentences Textual
argument evidence is
irrelevant
Commentary Analysis is believable Analysis Ideas lack Analysis does not present
and convincing, a few supports development; simply plot summary.
assertions may lack your misunderstanding
specific examples, but argument, of prompt or text; Analysis does not address the
assertions are still but ideas are illogical prompt
clearly connected to obvious and argument;
the argument basic
Style, Effectively blends Blend quoted Problems with Serious problems with
Vocabulary, direct quotation with material sentence clarity, coherence and sentence
Sentence explanatory words smoothly; redundancy; clarity; most sentences need
Structure and phrases to but sentence some quotes revision; most quotes stand
introduce the structure lack stand alone; alone and lack introduction/
quotation and variety- basic some vague connection to the paper
facilitate narrative and obvious; sentences; little
flow; still attempting attempts to use of class
advanced vocabulary incorporate vocabulary or
more sentence variety
advanced
vocabulary