Trait	OUTSTANDING	ACCEPTABLE	UNACCEPTABLE
Introduction	Intrigues the reader, establishes relevance, and provides a clearly identifiable thesis statement. 10	Somewhat intriguing, relevance is not as clear and thesis statement does not contribute to the overall effect of the introduction. 6	Your introduction doesn't capture my attention and there is no relevance established. 2
Focus (Thesis)	Thesis strongly demonstrates writer’s attitude, commitment to the subject, and point of view. 10	Thesis statement is unoriginal, but clearly stated; inconsistent point of view, does not clearly demonstrate writer’s attitude. 6	What is your thesis statement and point of view? 2
Relevant Information	Provides thorough supportive detail that develops the main points, information is accurate and easily understood. 20	Provides some supportive detail that develops the main points; some information is inaccurate or not easily understood. 13	Lacks sufficient supportive detail to develop the main points; details are too general. 5
Organization	Very well organized and focused; uses effective leads and conclusions; structure reinforces tone and content. 15	Opening and ending weak, stays on topic, some focus. 10	Lack of development, sometimes digresses, has little or no organization or paragraphing 5
Vivid Verbs and Sensory Details	Your strong, active verbs create vivid imagery in your reader's mind. No dull linking verbs appear. Vivid, concrete word choices enhance the paper. 15	Only a few dull linking verbs mar your essay. You have written mostly strong, active verbs. You have used several non-specific words. 10	Many dull/linking verbs rob your essay of the sharpness needed. Your details are general. 4
Body Paragraphs	Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence developed directly from a main point in the thesis. 5	Most body paragraphs begin with a topic sentence developed directly from a main point in the thesis. 3	Topic sentences for body paragraphs are not relevant to the points in the thesis. 0
Style	Clearly demonstrates an awareness of audience and purpose. 5	Somewhat demonstrates an awareness of audience and purpose. 3	Does not demonstrate an awareness of audience and purpose. 0
Sentence Structure	Sentences are complex and employ a variety of writing techniques. 5	A few sentences are complex. 3	Sentence structure is simple. 1
Conclusion	Restates thesis with review, reminds reader of relevance, provides closure. 10	You have a conclusion, but it's repetitive. 5	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