Category

Exceeds Standard (4)

Meets Standard (3)

Nearly Meets Standard (2)

Does Not Meet Standard (1)

Title Page

Neatly finished – no errors.

Evidence of two.

Evidence of one.

Not present.

Introduction

The introduction is engaging, states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper.

The introduction states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper.

The introduction states the main topic but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper.

There is no clear introduction or main topic and the structure of the paper is missing.

Body

Each paragraph has thoughtful supporting detail sentences that develop the main idea.

Each paragraph has sufficient supporting detail sentences that develop the main idea.

Each paragraph lacks supporting detail sentences.

Each paragraph fails to develop the main idea.

Organizational & Structural Development of Idea

Demonstrates logical and subtle sequencing of ideas through well-developed paragraphs; transitions are used to enhance organization.

Paragraph development present but not perfected.

Logical organization; organization of ideas not fully developed.

No evidence of structure or organization.

Conclusion

The conclusion is engaging and restates the thesis.

The conclusion restates the thesis.

The conclusion does not adequately restate the thesis.

Incomplete and/or unfocused.

Mechanics

No errors in punctuation, capitalization and spelling.

Almost no errors in punctuation, capitalization and spelling.

Many errors in punctuation, capitalization and spelling.

Numerous and distracting errors in punctuation, capitalization and spelling.

Usage

No errors in sentence structure and word usage.

Almost no errors in sentence structure and word usage.

Many errors in sentence structure and word usage.

Numerous and distracting errors in sentence structure and word usage.

Citation

All cited works, both text and visual, are done in the correct format with no errors.

Some cited works, both text and visual, are done in the correct format. Inconsistencies evident.

Few cited works, both text and visual, are done in the correct format.

Absent.

Bibliography

Done in the correct format with no errors. Includes more than 4 references.

Done in the correct format with few errors.  Includes less than 5 references.

Done in the correct format with some errors. Includes less than 4 references.

Done in the correct format with many errors. Includes 3 or fewer references.