Trait

Exemplary

Competent

Developing

Needs Attention

Introduction and Thesis

Introduces topic and provides background to establish relevance of the issue. Includes a thesis based on a relevant environmental issue as explained in prompt (p. 609-611). Prepares the reader for what is to follow with thorough yet concise information.

Topic is introduced, but background or context may not be established as carefully as paper in the exemplary range. Thesis may not be as effective and/or issue may not be as clear, but both are evident in the paper.

Introduces the topic and includes a thesis but may not fully present the writer's point of view or fully prepare reader for what is to follow. Purpose is somewhat clear.

Writer may not effectively introduce the topic. Thesis may not represent the writer's point of view. Reader can not determine thesis. Topic of choice is not fitting for the assignment's expectations or unrelated to the environmental theme as outlined in the prompt.

Quality of Research and Rhetorical Approach(s)

Includes a summary of topic and support from sources established in the prompt (book + outside sources). Writer's voice is clear and easily identifiable. Audience and purpose are clearly addressed.

Generally exhibits traits of successful research while addressing audience and purpose. Writer's voice may not be always present.

Research falls short in one or more areas. For example, evidence is weak and/or sources are unclear and/or audience and purpose are loosely addressed.

Writer does not think rhetorically about audience or purpose. Research shows overuse of quoted, summarized, or paraphrased materials. Overall, not successfully researched.

Development and Support

Writer uses best possible textual evidence and/or examples to demonstrate and develop their main points.

Writer offers solid evidence/examples but may have overlooked an important idea or element of support.

Writer offers some evidence/examples but overlooks important ideas or elements of support.

Writer offers little or no effective support for ideas, or uses inappropriate evidence (i.e. opinions of friends, unreliable websites, non-professional literature).

Structure and Organization

Essay is organized in a way that fully supports thesis and purpose. Effective sequence of ideas. Follows essay format.

Organization competently supports thesis/purpose and sequence of ideas is generally effective.

Organization is evident but may at times be inconsistent or haphazard at the essay and/or paragraph level.

The organization is inappropriate to the thesis and/or does not offer effective support or explanation of the writer's ideas.

Use of Language

Language is used with control and elegance to serve the writer's purpose. Word choice and tone are fitting to the essay's subject. Word choice is appropriate for non-technical audience.

Overall, language is competent but may lack the control or elegance of a paper in the exemplary range. Most word choice is understandable (non-technical).

Language use is competent but may be awkward in places. A few errors may confuse the reader, but they do not impede the reader's understanding. Difficulties with tech. language.

Use of language interferes with the reader's understanding. Word choice and tone are inappropriate to the essay's subject. Several technical terms without proper explanation.

Standard English and Mechanics

Except for deliberate departure (the quoted speech of a person, etc.), the writer uses standard forms of grammar, punctuation, spelling and syntax.

Writer generally uses standard forms of grammar, punctuation, spelling and syntax.

Writing may be problematic at the mechanical or syntactical levels, but errors do not impede the reader's understanding

Writing falls below the standard and may interfere with the reader's understanding.

Little or no editing apparent.

Presentation

Paper looks neat, crisp, and professional and meets format guidelines outlined in syllabus. No errors in textual citation or Ref. Pg.

Paper generally looks neat, crisp, and professional and generally meets format and style guidelines. Few errors.

Paper departs significantly from the style guidelines and format outlined in course syllabus. Some errors in citation.

Paper does not follow format guidelines as outlined in course syllabus. Several errors in in-text (textual) citation and/or reference page. No citations/Ref. Pg.