Rubric for the Assessment of COMP 100 Essays

	Point Value	A(94-100) A-(90-93)		B+(86-89) B (83-85) B- (80-82)	C+(76-79) C (73-75) C- (70-72)		D+ (66-69) D (63-65) D- (60-62)
	Content, Strength of Argument Focus on Topic Evidence Opposing View 25 pts	There is one clear, well-focused thesis. Claim/thesis stands out, key arguments are expressed and supported with relevant, telling, quality details and evidence that goes beyond the obvious or predictable. Key points of opposing viewpoint are acknowledged and refuted.		Claim/thesis is clear but supporting information is general. Supporting details are relevant, but one key issue is unsupported. Opposing viewpoint is acknowledged and addressed, but some key arguments may have been overlooked.	Claim/thesis is somewhat clear but more supporting evidence and details are needed. Supporting details and information are relevant, but key points are unsupported. Opposing viewpoint may be acknowledged to some degree, but no refutation is given.		Vague or unclear claim or thesis. Supporting details are a seemingly random collection of information, unclear, or not related to the topic. Opposing viewpoint is not mentioned or addressed in any way.
	Organization Introduction Conclusion 25 pts	Introduction is inviting, states the thesis, and previews the structure of the paper. Structure follows a logical path. Conclusion is strong and states the point of the paper.		Introduction clearly states thesis and previews structure, but is not particularly inviting to reader. Structure is good, but could use some refining. Conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all loose ends.	Introduction states thesis but does not adequately preview the structure, nor is it particularly inviting. Structure is confusing. Conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up all loose ends.		There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the paper. There is little or no logical structure. There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends.
	Development Sequencing Transitions Pacing 20 pts	Details are in logical order. A variety of thoughtful transitions show how ideas are connected. Pacing is well-controlled.  Writer elaborates when needed.		Details are in logical order, but may be presented in less interesting ways. Transitions clearly show how ideas are connected, but there is little variety. Pacing is well-controlled, but there is a lack of elaboration in some areas.	Some details not in logical or expected order and this is distracting. Some transitions work well; connections between other ideas are fuzzy. Pacing is well-controlled, but sometimes the same point is repeated, or too much time spent on less significant details.		Many details not in a logical or expected order; a sense of disorganization. Transitions between ideas are unclear or nonexistent.  Pacing is often awkward.  Writer elaborates when there is little need, and leaves out necessary support.
	Style Voice Audience Fluency 15 pts	Appropriate tone, distinctive voice; Reader's questions are anticipated and answered. Sentences varied for rhetorical effect; Vivid diction, precise word choices.		Appropriate tone; Reader's questions are anticipated and answered to some extent. Most sentences well-constructed with varied structure; Jargon-free word choice.	Appropriate tone; Reader is left with one or two questions, more information needed. Most sentences natural-sounding, but several are stiff and awkward, or difficult to understand. One or two slang or jargon phrases.		Inappropriate tone; Reader is left with several questions. Sentences are awkward, distractingly repetitive, or difficult to understand. Several are incomplete or rambling.  Word choices include several slang phrases.
	Mechanics Grammar Spelling 15 pts	Consistent standard English usage, spelling, and punctuation. 2-3 minor errors.		4-6 errors in usage, spelling, and punctuation that distract.	7-8 errors that distract the reader.		More than 8 distracting errors in usage, spelling, or punctuation.
Content             _______ Organization     _______			Development     _______ Style                  _______			Mechanics         ________ Total Points  ______ = grade of