Name: 

Grade:    

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Insufficient

Initial Impressions

ë  Subject problem defined clearly, in detail, with sufficient background

ë  Target audience is clear and consistently addressed

ë  Solution(s) clearly delineated early in essay

ë  Proposal is distinct and actionable

      Discussion:

Arguing Your Proposal

     Support

ë  One solution or aspect per paragraph, clearly set out

ë  Specific examples and support are utilized to support proposal (or element of proposal)

ë  Connections between evidence and proposed solution are clearly explained

ë  Focus is maintained upon a primary solution, with other solutions clearly secondary to it

ë  Proposition is thoroughly-conceived and explained

      Discussion: 

    Considering Alternatives and Audience

ë  Alternative solutions are raised and/or readers’ objections are anticipated and addressed

ë  Alternative solutions are adequately considered before returning to author’s primary concerns/causes

Discussion: 

Crafting Your Prose

ë  Sentences are carefully constructed with few run-ons, comma-splices or fragments

ë  Sentences are clear, conveying their meanings directly

ë  Evidence is introduced so readers have all the information they need to understand the discussion at hand

ë  Transitions are used to build connections and relationships between ideas

ë  Essay takes care to present causes in a logical order (for instance:  strongest to weakest; weakest to strongest; chronological order; order based on related qualities)

        Discussion: