A: Superior - This essay demonstrates superior
writing but may have minor flaws. An essay in this category:
o
Addresses a reader and is carefully organized from beginning to
end:
o
The introductory section establishes a rhetorical context that
provides a clear introduction to the topic/subject of the paper
o
The body sections of the essay present a well-developed
discussion of issues relevant to the topic, points are effectively supported
by relevant quotes, summaries, and/or paraphrases from reliable and scholarly
source material or primary texts
o
The essay presents an
effective counterclaim/argument when appropriate that is supported by
relevant quotes, summaries and/or paraphrases from reliable and/or scholarly
source material
o
The concluding sections brings the essay to an effective and
efficient end
o
Uses effective transitions that logically move a reader from the
introductory section through the body section, to the counterargument, the
rebuttal, and the concluding section
o
Has a readily identifiable arguable thesis/claim that is solidly
supported by appropriate/logical reasons and well-chosen evidence/examples
o
Uses words, phrases, and sentence structures that enhance
communication of ideas.
o
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of MLA formatting,
parenthetical citations are carefully integrated into the text of the essay,
and the Works Cited page is well constructed
o
Is generally free of error in mechanics, usage, or sentence
structure
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B: Strong - This essay demonstrates clear
competence in writing. The essay may have occasional errors, but the errors
are not distracting and do not inhibit reader comprehension. An essay in this
category:
o Addresses a reader and has
a good organizational structure
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C: Adequate – This essay demonstrates adequate
writing. There may be some error that is distracting to a reader but the
errors do not significantly inhibit comprehension. An essay in this category:
o
Addresses a reader and has an acceptable
organizational structure
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D: Marginal – This essay demonstrates
developing competence but the essay is flawed in one or more significant
ways. An essay in this category:
o
Neglects a reader and is generally poorly organized and/or
developed
o
The introductory section does not provide an effective
introduction to the topic/subject of the paper
o
the body sections of the essay present a broadly
generalized/simplistic discussion of issues relevant to the topic, points are
not effectively supported by relevant quotes, summaries, and/or paraphrases
from reliable and scholarly source material
o
the essay presents a counterclaim/argument that is generally
unsupported;
o
Seldom uses transitions to move a reader from the introductory
section through the body section, to the counterargument, the rebuttal, and
the concluding section
o
Has an arguable but limited thesis/claim
o
Uses words, phrases, and/or sentence structures that tend to
impede the communication of ideas
o
Demonstrates an awareness of MLA requirements but fails to
incorporate them in an effective or appropriate manner – parenthetical
citations do not exist or are randomly inserted (drop in quotes).
o
There is a Works Cited page but the majority of entries are
improperly formatted and/or incomplete. There is little correlation between
Works Cited entries and parenthetical citations.
o
Has frequent errors in mechanics, usage, and/or sentence
structure
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F: Very Weak – This essay is seriously
flawed. An essay in this category demonstrates serious weakness in one or
more of the following areas
o
Indicates confusion about the requirements of essay writing and
argumentative essays writing in specific
o
May or may have a thesis/claim but overall the essay lacks focus
and coherence – rambles is repetitive and/or redundant and fails to
communicate an idea
o
Has a Works Cited page but the Works Cited page is improperly
formatted – entries may be numbered or not alphabetized or both. There are no
parenthetical citations
o
Has inadequate sentence control and limited vocabulary
o
Has numerous errors in mechanics and usage
o
The essay is not argumentative and/or fails to fully meet the
requirements of the assignment
o
Does
not meet minimum MLA formatting requirements
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