5: (100-92) 4: (91-84)
Content/ Writing shows an ability to
Ideas describe and reflect upon
experience, and analyze with
occasional success. Some
arguments are well developed
although the explanation may
not always be consistent.
Structure Facts, ideas and opinions are
often well ordered so the
construction of the writing is
clear. Sentences/ paragraphs
are mostly well sequenced,
although some may finish less
effectively than they begin.
Thesis The thesis statement is clear.
statement + Essay stays focused on the
Focus prompt from start to finish.
Grammar+ Shows signs of understanding
Mechanics how punctuation and
grammatical structures can be
used in communication.. Errors
of spelling, punctuation and
grammar are minor, and rare at
the top of this score.
Quotes Quotes are incorporated
fluently, cited correctly, and
appropriately supports topic.
Language Writes appropriately for
audience audience and context.
3: (83-77)
Writing shows an ability to
express clear ideas and supply
some detail, explanation and
exemplification for the benefit
of the reader. Arguments are
expressed in a competent,
relevant points with a clear
attempt to develop them.
A clear attempt is made to
present facts, ideas and
opinions in an orderly way,
although there may be some
overall flaws.
The thesis statement is clear.
Essay is mostly focused on the Essay is sometimes focused on
prompt and is rarely off topic.
Uses punctuation and grammar
competently although the
range is not strong. There may
be a number of minor errors
especially at the bottom of this
score and even occasional
errors of sentence separation.
Quotes are incorporated, cited
correctly, and appropriately
supports the topic.
Mostly successful in writing
appropriately for audience and
context.
2: (76-71) 1 ( 70-65)
Writing shows an ability to A simple attempt to express Writing shows inability to
express intelligibly clear ideas. clear ideas. Arguments are express clear ideas. Most of
Arguments are expressed with expressed very simply and the work is too inaccurate to
variable relevance, logic and briefly. make sense.
development.
Facts, ideas and opinions are Facts, ideas and opinions may An absence of overall structure
presented in paragraphs which appear in partially formed and paragraphing leads to
may be inconsistent. The paragraphs of inappropriate confusion.
overall structure is unsound in length and some attempt is
places. made to provide a beginning
and an end.
The thesis statement is evident. There is an attempt at a thesis The thesis statement is unclear.
statement but it may be Essay is not focused and is off
the prompt and is occasionally misplaced. Essay is somewhat topic.
off topic. focused but mainly off topic.
Shows knowledge of simple Occasionally use appropriate The grammatical mistakes
punctuation and grammar, but punctuation and can spell hinder the message and content
the amount of error. Sentence simple words, but the reader is of the essay.
separation is often poor, but not convinced that their
error does not prevent the understanding, especially of
reader from understanding grammar, is adequate.
what is written.
Quotes are weakly Quotes are inadequate and Does not have quotes or
incorporated, cited incorrectly, may not be cited or support citations.
and weakly support the topic. the topic.
Slightly successful in writing Several occurrences of Major flaws and use of
appropriately for audience and informal language. non-academic language
context. throughout the essay.