Criteria Below Standard "D" At Standard "C" Above Standard "B" High Standard "A"
Focus There is no clear focus: the focus may be split in some way or too broad or confusing. The writer might indicate a focus, but little in the essay supports the thesis. The focus of the essay might be simplistic or obvious -- it might be hard for the reader to feel engaged. The essay is focused around a message/thesis. Parts of the essay might stray from this focus, but the overall message is there. The essay is clearly focused around a message. There are several interesting points that support it. One place may wander a bit or need more development, but otherwise the focus is clear and interesting. The essay is clearly focused around a complex thesis. The writer lays out clear reasons/points that contribute to the focus. Everything in the essay contributes to the message.
Support/
Evidence		 Details that would support the claims the writer is making are vague or missing. In key places, the writer has not effectively shown the reader what he/she means. Almost all points remain abstract or general. The writer does a lot of telling (lots of claims), but little showing There are supporting details for many of the claims, but a few parts of the essay may be overly general and vague. Some evidence might be unnecessary or distracting (doesn’t relate to the focus of the essay) Points in the essay are generally supported with details, quotes, and examples that illustrate and explain the points that the writer makes. One or two places could be expanded with more evidence. There is a variety of support (anecdotes, quotes, description, examples, conversation). The support is vivid, concrete, and supports the message of the essay.
Organization No sense of introduction, body, and conclusion. There might be a clear middle, beginning and end content-wise, but paragraph breaks don’t make sense or are missing. Overall organization of points or individual paragraphs might be confusing and/or jumpy. There is clear introduction, body and conclusion, but they may need some work. Several places in the paper need more effective transitions and/or paragraph breaks. Some paragraphs may need to be moved. Individual paragraph organization may be confusing in one or two places. There is an engaging and organized introduction, body and conclusion. Individual paragraphs are well-organized and developed. One place paper may need work with paragraph breaks or a more effective transition. The introduction or conclusion might need to be strengthened. The introduction and conclusion creatively tie the essay together. Each paragraph is focused and effectively developed around an individual point. The overall paragraph organization is effective and creative. Transitions are effective and establish complex relationships between points.
Clarity

And

Language

Maturity

 There are several grammar patterns that seriously influence understanding -- Perhaps a pattern of run-ons or fragments throughout or very confusing punctuation or verb tense errors. Wording and sentence structure are confused to the point where they interfere with the reader’s understanding. The essay is generally clear, but sentence structure may be simplistic and/or slightly repetitive. There are several grammar error patterns but nothing that seriously interferes with reading.--perhaps some fragments or comma splices or confusing punctuation. Word choice might be confusing in two or three places. The essay is clear with complex sentence structures. There may be a minor grammar problem such as misplaced apostrophes or missing commas in certain places, but the rest demonstrates a mastery of conventional grammar. Word choice might be off in one or two places. The sentences are complex and effective, and the word choice is sophisticated. The writer uses sentence structure and word choice in creative ways to establish tone and meaning. There may be one or two very minor errors, but no patterns of error.
Voice and

Audience

 The writer uses general, vague wording like "everything," "fun," "happy," "everyone," or simplistic repetitive vocabulary. There is more telling, than showing. The draft seems vague or general. There might be a vague sense of how the writer feels, but it’s not very developed. The essay does not address or engage the audience appropriately. The writer uses some concrete words and images to show he/she feels. The essay may lack creative language or details that would enhance the message that the writer is clearly attempting to communicate. Sections of vague, general wording produce a general voice. The essay addresses the audience appropriately The writer uses concrete word choice, complex sentence structures, and creative language to convey his/her meaning clearly. The voice of the writer is distinct and strong throughout, although it could be enhanced in one or two places. The essay engages the audience. The writer uses concrete nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives to convey meaning in an engaging way. Careful word choice, inventive use of sentence structure, creative language provide a clear sense of how the writer feels about the topic and make the reader feel this too.