Rating

Comments

Content: offering fresh insights, grappling with topic in something other than surface matter

Focus: unifying essay around a clearly defined purpose; clearly stating argument in thesis form and in clear topic sentences

Development: analyzing evidence in a way that supports topic sentences and overall thesis, including identifying literary devices/figures of speech and explaining how they contribute to the meaning of the text

Evidence: using relevant details that explain and support main ideas, sufficient but not excessive use of quotations to support points

Organization: using an orderly structure that facilitates reading, sustaining the reader’s interest through effective paragraph development and use of proper transitions, presenting a logical flow of ideas

Wording: choosing and arranging words carefully to promote ease of reading, no needless repetition

Mechanics: spelling, grammar, punctuation, careful proofreading, subject-verb agreement, no run-on sentences or sentence fragments, clear pronoun usage

Risk-taking: conceiving of assignment in creative and challenging ways, developing main points based on self-initiated criteria independent of teacher’s discussion comments, avoiding summary unless necessary, experimenting with punctuation and vocabulary

Format: correct use of MLA citation format, including works cited page; following directions on Term paper assignment handout; rubric, outline, and peer review included with essay

Thesis Statement/Outline and Peer Review: essay shows progress from initial outline and appropriate incorporation of peer reviewer’s comments; peer review of partner’s essay was insightful and useful

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