Thesis Driven Essay

CATEGORY	1	2	3	4
Conclusion (Organization)	There is no clear conclusion, the thesis is ignored, and the paper just ends.	The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends, and generally ignores the thesis.	The conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all the loose ends, and generally supports the thesis.	The conclusion is strong, supports the thesis and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer is "getting at."
Flow & Rhythm (Sentence Fluency)	The sentences are difficult to read aloud because they sound awkward, are distractingly repetitive, or difficult to understand.	Most sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but several are stiff and awkward or are difficult to understand.	Almost all sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but 1 or 2 are stiff and awkward or difficult to understand.	All sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud. Each sentence is clear and has an obvious emphasis.
Grammar & Spelling (Conventions)	Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.	Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.	Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.	Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Support for Topic (Content)	Supporting details and information are typically unclear or not relevant to thesis.	Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues or portions of the thesis are unsupported.	Supporting details and information are relevant, but lack a solid connection with the thesis.	Relevant, telling, quality details that fully support the thesis and give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable.
Introduction (Organization)	There is no clear introduction of the thesis or structure of the paper.	The introduction states the thesis, yet is ambiguous, and does not adequately preview the structure of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to the reader.	The introduction states the thesis and previews the structure of the paper, but is not particularly inviting to the reader.	The introduction is inviting, clearly states a solid thesis and previews the structure of the paper.