SCORE 6 Exceptional Achievement

The writer orients the reader by clearly defining and framing the issue. A firm, authoritative stand is taken and maintained. In offering support, the writer may use a variety of strategies to build a unified, central thesis that represents perceptive thinking about the issue. Counterarguments are acknowledged and effectively refuted. Overall, the writing shows near mastery of the conventions of usage, mechanics, and spelling. There may be some minor errors characteristic of first draft writing, but these errors do not divert the reader's attention or cause confusion about meaning.

 

SCORE 5 Commendable Achievement

The writer orients the reader by setting the issue in a meaningful context. A firm and clear position is taken and maintained throughout the response. Support is thoughtful and elaborated. Counterarguments are acknowledged but may not be effectively refuted. The overall tone is reasonable, appropriate, and convincing. The writing shows clear control of the conventions of usage, mechanics, and spelling. The writing may be characterized by a minimal range of errors, but there may be some errors that are repeated. These errors do not divert the reader's attention or cause confusion about meaning.

 

SCORE 4 Adequate Achievement

The writer states the issue but may not orient the reader. A clear stance or position is taken, but it may lack authority and conviction. Supporting evidence is presented but it may not be as thoughtful, extensive, or convincing as that found in papers receiving higher scores. Overall, the response may lack unity and a central theme. The writing generally shows control of the conventions of usage, mechanics, and spelling. There will be several kinds of errors repeated throughout the essay. These errors may be distracting but will not cause significant confusion about meaning.

 

SCORE 3 Some Evidence of Achievement

The writer may offer a brief explanation of the issue to help orient the reader. A stand is taken but it may lack consistency. The writer offers support but fails to elaborate and link the support to form a central thesis. Counterarguments may not be acknowledged. The arguments the writer presents are not very convincing. The writing shows some control of the conventions of usage, mechanics, and spelling. Writing exhibits frequent errors that are distracting to readers and may cause some confusion about meaning.

 

SCORE 2 Limited Evidence of Achievement

The writer may only mention the issue without orienting readers. If a position is taken on the issue, it is not clear and may be changed or abandoned as the response is developed. Support is illogical, irrelevant, vague, or superficial. Repetitions and digressions may disrupt the flow of the response. The writing shows little control of the conventions of usage, mechanics, and spelling. Writing demonstrates serious and numerous problems that distract the reader and lead to confusion. The writing may be incoherent in places but is otherwise understandable.

 

SCORE 1 Minimal Evidence of Achievement

The writer may not state the issue to be addressed or orient the reader to the issue. No position is stated and support is missing. The response is characterized by confusion or uncertainty about the issue or task. The writing shows minimal control of the conventions of usage, mechanics, and spelling. Writing may be incoherent and/or will have serious errors in almost every sentence.

For a review of the persuasive essay format, please see the sections in your textbook, beginning on 616 and 1161.