Criterion

Point Total

Comments

Introduction:

The introduction should gain the readers’ interest, identify the central issue of the essay, and create the tone for the essay.

Main point or thesis:

The essay should have a strong sense of purpose throughout. A good title, good topic sentences, and a solid thesis statement really help here.

Logic/organization:

The essay should have logical organization

Transitions:

The essay should move coherently from one idea to the next and the logical connections between ideas should be clear.

Support/evidence:

The essay should use specific evidence and details to support its claims, and this evidence should be sufficiently developed.

Analysis:

The essay should demonstrate the originality, reflective ability, analytical ability of the writer.

Diction/ voice:

The essay should employ a consistent voice, consistent diction, and precise/vivid language

Conclusion:

The conclusion should make one last effort to convince the reader, suggest larger implications of the thesis, and provide a sense of closure to the essay.

Final presentation:

The essay should demonstrate proper use of standard edited American English and use proper citations.

Comprehension:

The essay will demonstrate the writer’s comprehension of the material presented in this portion of the class.

Total Score/Overall Comments