A Essay
Purpose
Obviously fulfills its designated purpose/mode
Structure
Well-organized; introduction has interesting lead-in and well-developed thesis; body supports thesis with specific, relevant, details, logical order, coherence, transitions; conclusion brings essay to a satisfying finish; sentence variety shows some sophistication
Content
Interesting generally and particularly; shows depth of thought; ideas clearly expressed with examples; tone is appropriate
Mechanics, grammar, usage
Few, if any, errors (0 – 1)
Presentation
Neat; meets MLA standards; meets parameters of the assignment
B Essay
Purpose
Fulfills its designated purpose/mode
Structure
Mostly well-organized; introduction adequately introduces thesis; body may need more specific details, mostly logical order, may need more transitions; conclusion sums up, but contributes little interest; sentence variety present
Content
Interesting generally or particularly; shows some good thought; ideas mostly clear; tone is mostly appropriate
Mechanics, grammar, usage
No more than 2 major errors and less than 5 minor errors
Presentation
Neat; mostly meets MLA standards; meets parameters of the assignment
C Essay
Purpose
Attempts to fulfill its designated purpose/mode
Structure
Attempts organization; introduction is bland, but contains thesis; topic sentences may not always direct the paragraph development; some ideas may be underdeveloped; transition problems; problems with order; conclusion merely restates introduction; little sentence variety
Content
Mildly interesting; little depth of thought; several ideas unclear; tone is inappropriate: too casual, slang
Mechanics, grammar, usage
3 major errors or 5 minor errors
Presentation
Mostly neat; attempts MLA standards; may not meet assignment parameters
D/F Essay
Purpose
Does not fulfill its designated purpose/mode
Structure
Poor organization; poor or nonexistent thesis; poor support and unity; poor or nonexistent conclusion
Content
Uninteresting; shallow; unclear; inappropriate tone
Mechanics, grammar, usage
4 or more major errors or 6 or more minor errors
Presentation
Illegible; incorrect format; does not meet assignment parameters