Essay Grading Rubric

	  Thesis Paragraph			 Evidence & Topic Sentences		       Argument			
		
	Clearly and concisely presents	        All evidence is specific and	       Evidence is analyzed 
	the author's argument.			contributes to the author's argument.	to prove thesis.
A	Includes mention of all major	       Each topic sentence is clearly		  Overall argument is
	points to be used as proof.		stated, tied to thesis and reflects	coherent & logical	
						the author's insight.


	Presents author's argument, but 	All evidence is specific; most		Majority of evidence
B	is awkward, unclear, etc.		contributes to the author's argument.	is well analyzed.
	Includes mention of all major	       Most topic sentences relate to		   Overall argument is
	points to be used as proof.		thesis and introduce paragraphs well.	coherent & logical.


	Thesis is at best a restatement	       All evidence is specific; only half     Half of evidence
	of the question posed--offers	      contributes to the author's argument.    is well analyzed.
C	none of the author's insight.	      Half of the topic sentences relate       Overall argument may
	Does not include mention of all	      to the thesis; the remainder	      have minor errors in
	major points to be used as proof.	introduce the paragraphs well.		logic or continuity.


	Thesis states only a fact; may be 	Most evidence is specific; a minority	Minority of evidence
D	awkward, make no argument, etc.	      contributes to the author's argument.	  is well analyzed.
	Does not include mention of all 	A minority of the topic sentences 	Overall argument may
	major points to be used as proof.	relate to thesis; some may introduce	lack clear logic or
						paragraphs well.			continuity.


	Attempt to state thesis reflects 	Minority of evidence is specific; most 	No evidence is well
F	no thought or effort.			does not contribute to the argument.	analyzed.
	Includes no mention of major	 	No topic sentences relate to thesis;	Overall argument is
	points to be used as proof.		few introduce paragraphs well.	        illogical.