Mechanics 0 Points Very di cult to understand owing to major problems in mechanics. 6.5 Points Huge problem in sentence structure and grammar. Frequent major errors in citation style, punctuation, and spelling. May have many run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and comma splices. 7.5 Points Minor problems in sentence structure and grammar. Multiple errors in punctuation, citation style, and spelling. May have several fun-on sentences, sentence fragments, and comma splices. 8.5 Points Sentence structure and grammar strong despite occasional lapses; punctuation and citation style often used correctly. Some spelling errors and at least one run-on sentence, sentence fragment, or comma splice. 10 Points Language is clearly organized. Correct word usage, punctuation, sentences structure, and grammar; correct citations of sources; minimal to no spelling errors; no run-on sentences or comma splices.

Concluding Paragraph 0 Points There is no conclusion, or it is complete inadequate. 13 Points The conclusion is attempted but is not clear or is incomplete. There is no attempt to make a connection to another time or place in history. 15 Points The conclusion simply restates the thesis and/or makes a vague connection to another time or place in history. 17 Points The conclusion clearly restates the thesis and summarizes the main points of the essay. The conclusion makes a clear and specific connection to another time or place in history. 20 Points The conclusion clearly restates the thesis, summarizes the main points of the essay, and mirrors the introduction without repeating it verbatim. The conclusion ends with a clear and specific connections to another time or place in history.

Transition / Clincher Sentences 0 Points No attempt to transition between paragraphs or to provide a clincher sentences to sum up the information. 6.5 Points Transition or clincher sentences are attempted but not clear or are incomplete. 7.5 Points Each body paragraph contains a transition sentence that lets the reader know the topic o the next body paragraph or a clincher sentence that clearly sums up the information in that paragraph. 8.5 Points Each body paragraph contains a transition sentence but does not make a clear connection between the two paragraphs. The last body paragraph has a clincher sentence that clearly sums up the information in that paragraph. 10 Points Each body paragraph contains a transition sentence that makes a clear connection between the two paragraphs. The last body paragraph has a clincher sentence that clearly sums up the information in that paragraph.

Topic Sentences 0 Points There is no attempt to begin body paragraphs with topic sentences. 13 Points Topic sentences are attempted but are unclear, or do not clearly support the thesis. 15 Points Topic sentences are accurate, clearly support the thesis, lack analysis or specificity. Topic sentences are too vague. 17 Points Most of the topic sentences are accurate, clearly support the thesis, and contain analysis. 20 Points All topic sentences are accurate, specific, clearly support the thesis, and follow the organizational statement, and contain analysis. Evidence 0 Points No evidence is provided that supports the thesis statement and the topic sentences. 13 Points There is little supporting evidence that is accurate or connections between the thesis statement and topic sentences are not clear. Evidence is merely listed and not adequately explained or analyzed. 20 Points There is an abundant amount supporting evidence that is accurate, relevant, and clearly supports the thesis statement and topic sentences. Relevant evidence is thoroughly explained and analyzed. (3-5 supporting facts per paragraph)

Criteria Insu cient Poor Fair Good Excellent Introductory Paragraph 0 Points There is no introductory paragraph, or the introductory does not address the prompt. 13 Points The introduction does not give the reader a clear idea of the argument or it does not give the reader a road- map. Thesis is attempted, but it is not clear or su cient. 15 Points The introduction contains an acceptable thesis OR a detailed organizational statement. Thesis is clear but simplistic. 17 Points The introduction contains an acceptable thesis and a detailed organizational statement. The thesis is clear, analytical, and completely and accurately addresses the prompt. 20 Points Introduction places the essay in a specific time and place, begins with a broad opening statement, has a clear, accurate, and analytical thesis and a detailed organizational statement. In addition, thesis is specific and comprehensive - it fully addresses the