Introduction (Needs to be at least 5 sentences long)
I have a hook.
Did your hook or grab your audience’s attention? An essay hook is the first one or two sentences of your essay. It serves as an introduction and works to grab the reader’s attention.
Did you use a couple of sentences to introduce the topic that you are going to discuss in the argumentative essay?
A claim is clearly stated.
Did you introduce the topics with 2-3 supporting details?
Is your thesis statement/topic sentence clear & engaging to the reader? (last sentence in the paragraph).
My thesis statement/topic sentence introduces the topic and has persuasive elements.
I have elaboration that provides background information for my reader.
My elaboration is relevant to the topic/prompt.
My introduction is NOT a summary.
Body Paragraphs (Needs to be 3 paragraphs, with 5 sentences in each paragraph)
There is a clear claim sentence and supporting evidence throughout the essay.
The claim is fully and effectively supported by at least two reasons and evidence.
A counterclaim or opposing argument is clearly acknowledged and supported.
My main idea sentence is relevant to the topic and stems from my thesis.
I have evidence that is relevant to the point I am trying to make.
My elaboration shows why the evidence I choose helps to prove my point/thesis.
Precise language is used effectively to distinguish opinion from fact, to introduce an opposing claim, or to make connections to others' opinions.
I use transition words within the paragraphs.
There is a closing sentence at the end of my body paragraphs.
Do you have at least 3 paragraphs?
Do you have 4-5 sentences in each paragraph?
Does the information in each paragraph give details about your topic?
Do you have details and facts in each of your sentences and paragraphs? (could include more)
Did you transition from one paragraph to the other?
The language is carefully chosen and concise.
Conclusion (Needs to be at least 5 sentences long)
Have you included the topic that you introduced in your introduction?
Did you restate your thesis statement/topic sentence?
Did you summarize the key points and your claim, reasons, and evidence in your conclusion paragraph?
Synthesize – Did you include one of the following: 1. Call to action- Tell readers what you want them to do with the info., (For example – We need your help to give animals in need a home; consider adopting a shelter dog.) - a specific action.) 2. Explain why this topic is timely or important (For example - how many pets in shelters are waiting for adoption.), 3. Why should the audience care? Relate it to them personally. (For example, "Since you’re in the market for a dog, you have a major decision to make: where to get one.")
My thesis statement is reviewed.
My paragraph reviews the points I have made in the body paragraphs.
My concluding sentence gives the reader closure.
Overall
Does your essay paper include interesting facts about your topic? (Include more data, numbers, percents, and/or facts)
Conventions: Is my research paper free from grammatical errors/has correct and varied sentence structure?
Do I have at least 5 paragraphs?
Do all your paragraphs relate to the description of your topic?
Voice – Does your writing have a personality and flair that’s all your own? (Add personal stories, quotes, descriptions, humor, etc.)
Have you captured the reader’s interest in the topics and left them satisfied?
Do I have a heading (upper left corner with name, teacher’s name, date, & class) and a creative title?
Do I have a sources page in MLA style? See the attachment of how to create an MLA citation for your sources.
Do I have a Check My Work Link to show that my essay is free from plagiarism (Go to your Connexus Homepage -- Links -- Check My Work à Upload your essay -- Copy and paste the URL at the end of your essay) .
How Your Essay Will Be Graded:
Ideas/Purpose (4): 3/3
Organization (4): 4/4
Voice and Word Choice (2): 1/1
Claim, Reasons, Evidence, and Counterclaim (2): 4/4
Conventions (4): 4/4
Check My Work Link/MLA Citations (4): 4/4
Total (20): 20/20
Based on the given criteria, your essay will be graded as follows:
- Ideas/Purpose: 3/3. Your essay effectively presents a clear claim and supports it with evidence and reasoning.
- Organization: 4/4. Your essay is well-structured with clear paragraphs and smooth transitions.
- Voice and Word Choice: 1/1. Your writing has a distinct personality and appropriate word choice.
- Claim, Reasons, Evidence, and Counterclaim: 4/4. Your essay presents a strong claim, supports it with evidence, and acknowledges opposing arguments.
- Conventions: 4/4. Your essay is free from grammatical errors and demonstrates correct sentence structure.
- Check My Work Link/MLA Citations: 4/4. Your essay includes proper MLA citations and a Check My Work Link to show it is free from plagiarism.
Overall, your essay receives a perfect score of 20/20. Well done!