Focus and Thesis
Essays should have a thesis that is sophisticated, focused, and clear. The focus and thesis of an essay will be scored from 1 to 20 according to the following criteria.
| Score | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1 – 5 |
Paper lacks focus and/or a discernible thesis. |
| 6 – 10 |
Thesis is weak, simplistic, unclear, or too broad. |
| 11 – 15 |
Focused thesis represents clear understanding of the topic. |
| 16 – 20 |
Focused thesis reflects complexity and a nuanced understanding of the topic. |
Reasoning
Essays should use reasoning that is sophisticated and logical throughout. The reasoning of an essay will be scored from 1 to 20 according to the following criteria.
| Score | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1 – 5 |
Reasoning is uncritical, illogical, superficial, or simplistic. |
| 6 – 10 |
Reasoning is logical in some places but faulty or simplistic in others. |
| 11 – 15 |
Reasoning is logical and consistent throughout. |
| 16 – 20 |
Reasoning demonstrates sophistication of thought, recognizing multiple dimensions and/or perspectives as appropriate. |
Evidence
Essays should use relevant and well integrated evidence to support the thesis. The evidence of an essay will be scored from 1 to 20.
| Score | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1 – 5 |
Little to no evidence, or evidence is inappropriate for the purpose of the essay. |
| 6 – 10 |
Some evidence but not enough to develop argument in unified way. Some evidence may be inaccurate, irrelevant, or poorly documented. |
| 11 – 15 |
Evidence is accurate, well documented, and relevant, providing adequate support for the purpose of the essay. |
| 16 – 20 |
Evidence is relevant, accurate, well integrated, and well documented, providing ample support for the purpose of the essay. |
Organization
Essays should use structure, at the sentence, paragraph, and essay level, to enhance and clarify meaning. The organization of an essay will be scored from 1 to 20.
| Score | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1 – 5 |
Lacks a sense of overall structure; no sense of beginning, middle, or end. No paragraphs or division into paragraphs lacks logic. Lacks transitional words, phrases, and sentences between or within paragraphs. |
| 6 – 10 |
Contains an overall sense of beginning, middle, and end, but paragraph sequence may be confusing. The order or balance of ideas within paragraphs is inconsistent. Little or inappropriate use of transitions. |
| 11 – 15 |
Effective structure and arrangement of ideas. Order of paragraphs may, occasionally, appear mechanical or awkward. Order or balance of ideas within paragraphs is generally consistent and cohesive. Transitions present but may be cumbersome or repetitive. |
| 16 – 20 |
Rational, sensible, and deliberate structure that enhances and clarifies meaning. Transitions show relationships among ideas. |
Style and Mechanics
Essays should contain sentences that are free of grammatical errors and promote communication. The Style and Mechanics of an essay will be scored from 1 to 20.
| Score | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1 – 5 |
Multiple and serious errors of sentence structure, grammar, spelling and capitalization, or punctuation such that communication is hindered. |
| 6 – 10 |
Sentences show some errors of structure, grammar, punctuation, spelling and/or capitalization. Sentences exhibit little or no variety. |
| 11 – 15 |
Effective and varied sentences; only occasional errors in sentence construction, punctuation, spelling and/or capitalization. |
| 16 – 20 |
Sentences structured effectively; rich, well-chosen variety of sentence styles and length; virtually free of punctuation, spelling, capitalization errors. |