Category Excellent 9/10 Very good 7/8 Improvement needed 5/6 Unsatisfactory 3/4 Format and Organization Essay is formatted correctly. In-text citations are utilized smoothly, references provided. Essay is formatted mostly correctly. In-text citations and references adequate, with possibility of improvement. Weak or inconsistent formatting. Requires smoother or more complete in-text citations and references. Very poor formatting. Missing or very weak use of cited material; possibly there may be evidence of plagiarism. Grammar/ Fluency High-level of English grammar and expression. Variance of sentence length. Formal style and easy to understand. Clear use of English grammar, with some highlights of complex writing.Overall, reasonably good expression and style. Grammar is not strong and expression of not complex enough. More varied sentences and sophistication needed. Very weak grammar and expression; at times it is difficult to comprehend intended meaning. A lack of complexity. Quality of Argument Thesis is strong and unique; each point is clearly articulated and developed; research supports but does not take over writer’s own ideas. Good argument overall, usually clear points and support from secondary sources. Some points could be made more thorough or with more depth. Argument could be much strong or sophisticated. Supporting points are not well articulated or developed, or do not indicate a clear connection to thesis. Very weak or non-existent argument. Either it is not clear, or it is not developed in a comprehensible way. Cohesion of Topic Paper remains on topic and does not diverge. Research used is well-balanced with writer’s comments. Logic is portrayed within each paragraph and throughout. Topic is generally consistent, as is development of paragraphs. Research is typically used well, though there could be slightly more in-depth response to research. Cohesion is not strong; main point may be adequate, but supporting points reflect main topic weakly. Research is not incorporated carefully, or used effectively. Unsatisfactory attention to topic throughout; points are not connected with logic and research is used poorly, if at all. Meets Assigned Criteria Paper reflects and fulfills assigned breadth and specifics outlined. Eg. correct length and word count, targeted objective of scope and complexity of argument achieved. Paper reasonably reflects assigned purpose and method; some improvements could be made, but they are not pervasive throughout. Does not fulfill enough of the criteria outlined: length, formatting, usage of research. Enough lacks that it shows need for extensive revision. Major elements are missing according to assignment guidelines. Failure to meet overall criteria, such as length, usage of research, development of argument, or formatting. Final Score: