CATEGORY 4 3
Introduction/ *exceptional introduction
that grabs interest of reader
Thesis and states topic.
____ **thesis is exceptionally
clear, arguable, well-
developed, and a definitive
statement.
Quality of *paper is exceptionally
researched, extremely
Information/ detailed, and historically
Evidence accurate.
____ **information clearly
relates to the thesis.
Support of *exceptionally critical,
relevant and consistent
Thesis/Analysis connections made between
____ evidence and thesis.
**excellent analysis.
Organization/ *exceptionally clear,
logical, mature, and
Development of thorough development of
Thesis thesis with excellent
____ transitions between and
within paragraphs.
Conclusion *excellent summary of
topic with concluding ideas
____ that impact reader.
**introduces no new
information.
Grammar/Usage/ *control of grammar,
usage, and mechanics.
Mechanics **almost entirely free of
____ spelling, punctuation, and
grammatical errors.
**word choice is specific,
purposeful, dynamic and
varied.
***sentences are clear,
active (subject-verb-
object), and to the point.
Citation Format *conforms to MLA
rules for formatting and
____ citation of sources are
perfect.
Works *entries entirely correct
as to MLA format.
Cited/Bibliography
____
Additional Comments:
2 1
*proficient introduction *basic introduction that *weak or no
that is interesting and states topic but lacks introduction of topic.
states topic. interest. **papers purpose is
**thesis is clear and **thesis is somewhat unclear/thesis is weak
arguable statement of clear and arguable. or missing.
position.
*information relates to *information relates to *information has
the main topic. the main topic, few little or nothing to do
**paper is well- details and/or examples with the thesis.
researched in detail and are given. **information has
from a variety of **shows a limited weak or no
sources. variety of sources. connection to the
thesis.
*consistent connections *some connections *limited or no
made between evidence made between evidence connections made
and thesis and thesis. between evidence and
**good analysis. **some analysis. thesis.
**lack of analysis.
*clear and logical order *somewhat clear and *lacks development
that supports thesis logical development of ideas with weak or
with good transitions with basic transitions no transitions
between and within between and within between and within
paragraphs. paragraphs. paragraphs.
*good summary of *basic summary of topic *lack of summary of
topic with clear with some final topic.
concluding ideas. concluding ideas.
**introduces no new **introduces no new
information. information.
*may contain few *contains several *so many spelling,
spelling, punctuation, spelling, punctuation, punctuation, and
and grammar errors. and grammar errors grammar errors that
**word choice is which detract from the the paper cannot be
specific and purposeful, papers readability. understood.
and somewhat varied **word choice is often **word choice is
throughout. unspecific, generic, excessively
***sentences are redundant, and clichd. redundant, clichd,
mostly clear, active ***sentences are and unspecific.
(SVO), and to the point. somewhat unclear; ***sentences are very
excessive use of passive unclear.
voice.
*conforms to MLA *frequent errors in MLA *lack of MLA
rules for formatting and format. format/numerous
citation of sources with errors.
minor exceptions.
*entries mostly correct *frequent errors in MLA *lack of MLA
as to MLA format. format. format/numerous
errors.