Essay 1: Explaining a Topic

Quality Criteria

No/Limited Proficiency
(1)
Essay has no relation to
the writing task.
Introduction is missing
or grossly inadequate.

Minimal Proficiency (2)

Proficiency (3)

High Proficiency (4)

Essay is only loosely

related to the writing
task. Introduction is
present but quite general
and largely
underdeveloped.

Essay is fairly clear and

matches the writing task.
Introduction solidly but
less originally introduces
the topic.

A well-presented,
detailed
explanation, either
explaining how to
do something or
informing me of an
important issue to
you
A clear, logical
organization

Offers a simplistic,
undeveloped, or cryptic
explanation.
Inappropriate or off
topic generalizations.
There are faulty
assumptions and errors
of fact.
Unclear organization. No
or very few transitions.
No or very few
appropriate topic
sentences.

Offers a basic
explanation that may be
not specific enough.
Explanation is too
general, not interpreted,
or inappropriately
repetitive.

Offers a solid explanation.

Assumptions are not
always recognized or
made explicit. Contains
mostly appropriate details
or examples.

Details are germane,

original, and convincingly
interpreted. Essay is clear
and specific. Develops fresh
insight. Introduction
substantially, logically, and
concretely introduces the
topic. Details are germane,
original, and convincingly
interpreted.
Develops fresh insight.
Substantial, logical, and
concrete development of
explanation. Details are
germane, original, and
convincingly interpreted.

Organization supports
purpose. Transitions are
mostly appropriate. But
sequence of ideas or
paragraph structure could
still be improved. Headers
are often used effectively.

Fully and imaginatively

supports purpose. Sequence
of ideas is effective.
Transitions, topic sentences,
and paragraph structure are
effective. Headers are
effective.

English grammar
and vocabulary

Does not demonstrate

proficiency in English
grammar, vocabulary,
and sentence structure.
Plagiarism.

Some signs of logical

organization. May have
abrupt or illogical shifts
and ineffective flow or
ideas between and
within paragraphs. Weak
topic sentences.
Paragraph structure
could be improved.
Demonstrates limited
proficiency in English
grammar, vocabulary,
and sentence structure.
Some errors hinder
understanding of the
paper.

Demonstrates proficiency
in English grammar,
vocabulary, and sentence
structure. Some mistakes
are present but they dont
take away from the
meaning of the paper.

Demonstrates high
proficiency in English
grammar, vocabulary, and
sentence structure. Almost
no or no mistakes.

A focused, welldefined topic and

introduction

Student,
Notes
--Dr. Matt