| | Beginning 1 | Developing 2 | Very Good 3 | Exemplary 4 | Score |
|
| Focus | Attempts to take a position (addresses topic), but position is very unclear OR takes a position, but provides minimal or no support; may only paraphrase the prompt. x3 | Takes a position and provides uneven support; may lack development in parts or be repetitive OR essay is no more than a well-written beginning. x3 | Takes a clear position and supports it with some relevant reasons and/or examples; there is some development of the essay. x3 | Takes a clear position and supports it consistently with well-chosen reasons and/or examples; uses many facts to back up position. x3 | 12 |
|
| Organization | Exhibits little or no apparent organization. x2 | Is organized in parts of the essay; other parts are disjointed and/or lack transitions. x2 | Is well organized, but may lack some transitions. x2 | Is focused and well organized, with effective use of transitions. x2 | 8 |
|
| Sentence Fluency and Word Choice | Sentences run-on and appear incomplete or rambling; word choice may be inaccurate in much or the entire essay. x2 | Sentences lack formal structure; word choice may often be inaccurate. x2 | Most sentences are well constructed but have similar structure; word choice lacks variety. x2 | Consistently exhibits variety in sentence structure and word choice. x2 | 8 |
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| Conventions | Errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation prevent reader from fully understanding essay. x2 | Errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation interfere with understanding in much of the essay. x2 | More frequent errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, but they do not interfere with understanding. x2 | Errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation are few and do not interfere with understanding. x2 | 8 |
|
| Total Score: 36 |
