Thesis
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There is one clear, well-focused thesis. Thesis is explained in detail by the narrative and in the other paragraphs.
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Thesis is general; the narrative explains the thesis.
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Thesis and narrative are present, but the relationship is not developed.
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Vague or unclear thesis with no relationship to the narrative.
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No thesis or central theme.
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Introduction
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Introduction is inviting, states the thesis, and previews the structure of the paper.
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Introduction clearly states thesis and previews structure, but could be more engaging.
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Introduction states thesis but does not adequately preview the structure, nor does it attract the reader's attention.
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There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the paper.
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Introductory paragraph missing.
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Conclusion
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Conclusion is strong and wraps up the paper by going beyond merely restating the thesis or introduction.
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Conclusion is effective and ties up almost all loose ends.
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Conclusion only summarizes the main point and does not go beyond restating the thesis or introduction
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Conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up all loose ends.
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There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends.
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Comments
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Logical Organization
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Details are interesting and in logical order
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Details are in logical order, but may be presented in less interesting ways.
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Some details not in logical or expected order and this is distracting.
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Many details not in a logical or expected order; a sense of disorganization.
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No logical progression; no clear structure.
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Topic Sentences and Paragraph Length
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Carefully constructed paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details for individual points and overall essay idea.
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Clearly organized paragraphs that support the individual points and the main essay point fluently.
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Paragraphs lack topic sentences and/or support for individual points; little support for the overall essay main idea.
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Insufficient paragraphs do not contribute to the individual points and lack unity for an overall essay main idea.
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Three or less paragraphs; lack of details.
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Transitions
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Effective, mature transitions throughout the essay.
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Strong transitions
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Transitions appear sporadically by not equally throughout.
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Few, forced transitions.
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No transitions.
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Narrative Development
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The narrative is developed with a consistent and effective point-of-view, showing the story in detail.
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The narrative shows events from the author's point of view, but may have some inconsistencies or lack detail.
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The narrative shows the events, but lacks details.
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The narrative is undeveloped, and tells rather than shows, the story.
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Narrative is missing.
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Comments
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Word Choice
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Vivid diction, precise word choices.
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Jargon-free word choice.
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Generally appropriate word choice; One or two slang or jargon phrases.
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Word choices inappropriate, includes several slang phrases.
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Lacks precise, appropriate word choice.
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Sentence Structure
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Sentences varied for rhetorical effect; writing is smooth and coherent.
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Most sentences well-constructed with varied structure; writing is coherent.
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Most sentences natural-sounding, but several are stiff and awkward, or difficult to understand.
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Sentences are awkward, distractingly repetitive, or difficult to understand. Several are incomplete or run-on.
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Sentences are excessively repetitive in pattern.
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Voice
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Distinctive tone and appropriate voice throughout.
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Appropriate tone and mostly consistent voice. Does not use second person "you".
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Appropriate tone and several voice shifts; second person "you" may be used once or twice.
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Distracting shifts in voice and use of "you."
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Lacks clear tone; frequent voice shifts.
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Comments
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Grammar
Spelling
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Consistent standard English usage, spelling, and punctuation. No errors.
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Some errors in usage, spelling, and punctuation that distract.
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Many errors that distract the reader.
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Excessive distracting errors in usage, spelling, or punctuation
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Unacceptable grammar/spelling errors that distract.
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Comments
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