Category

Criteria

Excellent

Good

Fair

Needs Improv.

Introduction

a)  Interesting / Grabs readers attention
b)  provides background information

c)  includes thesis statement + 3 subtopics

Thesis

a) clear and understandable

b) answers a controversial question in a definitive statement

b) clearly outlines THREE subtopics

Quality of Information in Arguments / Evidence

a)  quality of research reflected in arguments / counterarguments and evidence

b)  detailed and  historically accurate information

c)  clear and concise arguments
d)  critical evidence from a wide variety of sources that are credible

 

Support of Ideas / Analysis

a)  critical, relevant and consistent connections made between evidence, subtopics, counter-arguments & thesis

b)  quality of analysis of evidence and arguments that relate to thesis

Organization of Ideas/ Development of Paper

a)  clear and logical development of ideas, subtopics and counter arguments that relate to thesis

b)  transition of ideas / arguments between paragraphs

Grammar

a)  spelling

b)  grammar

c) sentence structure / paragraphing

Footnotes / Bibliography

a)  proper citation format used correctly & consistently to validate evidence in paper

b)  proper, detailed MLA format in bibliography

 

Overall Impression

a)  convincing and persuasive
b)  leaves impact on reader
 (“good paper” vs. “finally, it is over”)