Weighting

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Introduction
-states thesis or main idea
-introduces main points

1

-Simple opening statement
-Main points missing

-Thesis stated but unclear
-Main points unclear or incomplete

-Thesis stated but somewhat unclear
-Main points introduced but may be unclear

-Thesis is precisely
-Main points clearly introduced

Support & Logic
-Arguments are logically related to main idea
-idea development

2.5

-Arguments are unrelated or absent
-Ideas usually undeveloped or incomplete

-Arguments are  not logically related to main idea
-Ideas often undeveloped or incomplete

-Arguments are usually clear and/or logically related to main idea
-ideas usually complete & fully developed

-Arguments are always clear and logically related to main idea
-Ideas always complete & fully developed

Evidence & Examples
-Support
-Relevance
-Sufficient & related facts

2.5

-Limited support of points
-Evidence largely irrelevant or inaccurate
-Limited, unrelated facts/e.g. used

-Some points are supported
-Some evidence not relevant or not accurate
-Insufficient or missing facts/e.g.

-Most points have support
-Most evidence relevant & accurate
-Sufficient use of facts & e.g.

-Each point has support
-Relevant & accurate evidence
-Substantial facts/e.g. used

Mechanics
-Grammar & Spelling
-Sentence & parag. Structure
-Textual Citations
-Bibliography or Works Cited

2

-Grammar & spelling used with limited accuracy & effectiveness
-Sentence & parag. Structure usually unclear
-Citations not used or grossly incorrect
-Bib/WS is missing or grossly inaccurate

-Grammar & spelling used with some accuracy & effectiveness
-Sentence & parag. Structure often unclear
-Citations unsatisfactory or have notable technical errors
-Bib/WS is inaccurate or incomplete

-Grammar & spelling used with good accuracy & effectiveness
-Good sentence & parag. Structure
-Citations satisfactory, with minor errors
-Bib/WS has minor technical problems

-Grammar & spelling used accurate/effective most of the time
-Excellent sentence & parag. Structure
-Precise, correct & sufficient use of citations
-Bib/WS is complete & correct

Conclusion
-Summarizes main point or ideas
-Summarizes main points of argument

1

-Abrupt ending
-Main points not summarized

-Thesis summarized but unclear
-Main point summary unclear or incomplete

-Thesis summarized but somewhat unclear
-Main points summarized but unclear

-Thesis clearly summarized
-Main points clearly summarized