Synthesis Essay
Category A Paper
Hooks the reader with an
Introduction interesting, original
introduction that captures the
reader's attention and
introduces the texts and
controlling idea.
The first paragraph ends with a
Thesis Statement compelling thesis statement
that makes a claim about the
texts.
The essay is very well
Organization organized. One idea or scene
follows another in a logical
sequence with clear transitions.
The paper is divided into
paragraphs
The essay contains insightful,
original ideas that go beyond
Ideas & Support class discussion and surface
observations. It is clear that the
author put thought into his/her
argument; argument is
supported with thoughtful
details
There are no more than two
Grammar/Usage categorical errors in
spelling/punctuation/
grammar, etc.
Meets all technical
Technical requirements:
Requirements. • Double Spaced
• Typed in 12pt font
• MLA header
• Page Numbers
• Title (Centered)
• 500 words
Shows evidence of all stages of
Writing Process the writing process:
• Prewriting Chart
• Rough Draft
• Revision
• Editing
B Paper
Hooks the reader with an
interesting introduction;
however, it may not be as
original or insightful as an "A"
paper; introduces texts and
controlling idea.
The first paragraph ends with
an adequate thesis statement
that attempts to make a claim
about the texts.
The essay is pretty well
organized. Clear transitions are
used. The paper is divided into
paragraphs; however, there
may be some minor flaw (i.e.
no indentation, too much space
between paragraphs, etc)
The essay contains good ideas
that are supported with
evidence; however, the ideas
rarely go beyond class
discussion and/or surface
observations
There are three or four
categorical errors in
spelling/punctuation/
grammar, etc.
Meets all but one technical
requirements:
• Double Spaced
• Typed in 12pt font
• MLA header
• Page Numbers
• Title (Centered)
500 words
Shows evidence of all but one
stage of the writing process:
• Prewriting Chart
• Rough Draft
• Revision
• Editing
C Paper
Attempts to hook the reader
with an interesting
introduction; however, the
introduction may be
unoriginal or lacking in some
way. Introduces texts and
controlling idea.
The first paragraph ends with
a thesis statement; however
the thesis statement may be
lacking in some way (i.e.
unclear/poorly worded etc)
The essay is a little hard to
follow. The transitions are
sometimes not clear.
The essay contains
somewhat original ideas. The
argument is mostly
supported; however, there
may be some ideas that need
further explanation/support.
There are five or six
categorical errors in
spelling/punctuation/
Grammar, etc.
Meets all but two technical
requirements:
• Double Spaced
• Typed in 12pt font
• MLA header
• Page Numbers
• Title (Centered)
500 words
Shows evidence of two
stages of the writing process:
• Prewriting Chart
• Rough Draft
• Revision
• Editing
D Paper
Introduction does not capture the
interest of the reader and/or fails
to introduce the texts and
controlling idea.
The first paragraph ends with a
concluding thought; however, the
thesis statement does not make a
claim or argument.
The essay is difficult to follow
and/or no paragraphs/transitions
are used.
The argument is not clear and/or
unsupported. The analysis of the
texts does not seem to go beyond
mere summary.
There are seven or eight
categorical errors in
spelling/punctuation/
Grammar, etc.
Meets all but three technical
requirements:
• Double Spaced
• Typed in 12pt font
• MLA header
• Page Numbers
• Title (Centered)
500 words
Shows evidence of one stage of
the writing process:
• Prewriting Chart
• Rough Draft
• Revision
• Editing
F Paper
Does not include introductory
paragraph or the introduction is
seriously lacking.
There is no thesis statement.
Ideas seem to be randomly
arranged.
The paper is not divided into
paragraphs.
The essay does not address the
prompt.
There are more than eight
categorical errors in
spelling/punctuation/
Grammar, etc.
Meets all only one or two
technical requirements:
• Double Spaced
• Typed in 12pt font
• MLA header
• Page Numbers
• Title (Centered)
500 words
Shows no evidence of the writing
process. Only final draft has been
turned in.