Trait	OUTSTANDING	ACCEPTABLE	UNACCEPTABLE
Introduction	I can't wait to read your essay! 15	This could be interesting. 10	Your introduction doesn't capture my attention. 4
Focus	Thesis statement is evident and point of view is consistent throughout. 10	Thesis statement is unoriginal, but clearly stated; inconsistent point of view. 6	What is your thesis statement and point of view? 2
Development	Narrative clearly reveals characterization through actions, dialogue, descriptions, and narration. 15	Narrative has some description, details, dialogue, and characterization. 9	Narrative lacks description, details, dialogue, and characterization. 4
Vivid Verbs	Your strong, active verbs create vivid imagery in your reader's mind. No dull linking verbs appear. 15	Only a few dull linking verbs mar your narrative. You have written mostly strong, active verbs. 11	Many dull/linking verbs rob your narrative of the sharpness needed. 4
Sensory Details	Your vivid, concrete word choices put the reader there. You have included significant sense details other than visual. 15	You have used several non-specific words. You have relied too heavily on only visual details. 10	Your description is so general that you have ended up telling rather than showing. 6
Comparison	You have used at least one strong, effective comparison. 5	Your comparison is ineffective or distracting, or you have used too many unrelated comparisons. 3	You have written no comparisons. 0
Insight	The meaning of the experience is clear to me. 5	I think I know, I think I know. 3	Did you learn anything from this experience? 0
Background Information	You have included any background information necessary to understand you essay. The who, what, when, where, why, and how are explained. 10	I have a few unanswered questions. 6	I cannot follow your narrative because there are too many missing pieces of information. 0
Conclusion	Your conclusion neatly wraps up your narrative. 5	You have a conclusion, but it's repetitive. 3	This is the end???? 0
Neatness	Essay is neatly written in pen or typed and easy to read. 5	Could be neater, but readable. 3	Is this English? 0