4 Points

The paper:

·         has an effective beginning, middle, and end.

·         uses paragraphing effectively.

·         contains a strong controlling idea.

·         progresses in a logical order.

·         uses effective cohesive devices (such as transitions, repetition, parallel structure) between and within paragraphs.

·         clearly addresses the topic and provides convincing elaboration through specific and relevant details, reasons, and examples.

·         uses precise and vivid language.

·         contains sentences that are clear and varied in structure.

·         effectively uses writing techniques (such as imagery, humor, point of view, voice).

·         shows complexity, freshness of thought, and individual perspective.

·         clearly shows an awareness of audience and purpose.

·         contains few errors in grammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling.

2 Points

The paper:

·         has evidence of a beginning, a middle, and an end.

·         shows evidence of paragraphing.

·         may contain a sense of direction, but may lack focus.

·         may not progress in a logical order.

·         may not use cohesive devices.

·         addresses the topic, but relies on generalities (lists) rather than specifics (development).

·         may use imprecise language.

·         contains sentences that are generally clear but may lack variety and complexity.

·         attempts to use some writing techniques.

·         may lack complexity, freshness of thought, and/or individual perspective.

·         shows some awareness of audience and purpose.

·         contains errors in grammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling that may be distracting to the reader.

3 Points

The paper:

·         has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

·         uses paragraphing appropriately.

·         contains a controlling idea.

·         generally progresses in a logical order.

·         uses cohesive devices between and within paragraphs.

·         addresses the topic using relevant details, reasons, and examples.

·         uses precise language.

·         contains sentences that are clear and show some variety in structure.

·         uses writing techniques.

·         shows some complexity, freshness of thought, and/or individual perspective.

·         shows an awareness of audience and purpose.

·         may contain errors in grammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling that are not distracting to the reader.

1 Point

The paper:

·         may lack evidence of a beginning, a middle, and/or an end.

·         may lack evidence of paragraphing.

·         is difficult to follow and lacks focus.

·         does not progress in a logical order, and may digress to unrelated topics.

·         lacks cohesion.

·         may address the topic, but lacks details.

·         uses imprecise language.

·         contains sentences that lack variety and clarity.

·         shows little or no evidence of writing techniques.

·         lacks complexity, freshness of thought, and individual perspective.

·         shows little or no awareness of audience or purpose.

·         contains repeated errors in grammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling that are distracting to the reader.