Persuasive Essay

CATEGORY	1	2	3	4
Focus and Support of content	The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information.	Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information.	Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general.	There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information.
Organization	Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is organized.	Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader.	Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting.	Details are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader.
Paragraph Construction	Paragraphing structure was not clear and sentences were not typically related within the paragraphs. The information appears to be disorganized.	Paragraphs included related information and are organized but were typically not constructed well.	Most paragraphs include introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence, and they are well-constructed paragraphs.	All paragraphs are well constructed and organized and include an introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence.
Transitional Words	The essay contains at least two transitional words.	The essay contains at least four transitional words.	The essay contains at least six transitional words.	The essay contains at least eight transitional words.
Sentences	The essay contains at least one sentence from the Writing Help Sheet.	The essay contains at least two sentences from the Writing Help Sheet.	The essay contains at least three sentences from the Writing Help Sheet.	The essay contains at least four sentences from the Writing Help Sheet.
Mechanics	More than three grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.	No more than two grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors.	No more than one grammatical, spelling or punctuation error.	No grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors.