Important note before you begin to grade
When assessing student papers we recommend that you use the essaypop assessment tool. The tool includes pre-made rubrics and cuts grading time by 75%.
General Criteria
Element Specific Expectations
Title
Includes a unique title that is relevant to the prompt and topic(s) being discussed.
Introduction
The introductory paragraph begins with an engaging and relevant hook.
It presents a focused and unambiguous thesis statement.
The thesis is subdivided into focused and relevant sub-theses, listing statements, or pops each of which will become the subject of the body paragraphs to follow.
The introduction concludes with a resolute wrap-up sentence, statement, or closer.
Upon reading the introduction, the reader should have a very clear sense of the purpose and scope of the essay.
Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph leads off with an introductory topic sentence or bridge.
Relevant evidence or research such as quotations, paraphrasing, and other proof is included and properly cited.
Evidence or research is adequately introduced and/or contextualized.
Analysis and explanation (interpretation) written in the writer's own words is evident, adequate, and appropriate. This commentary demonstrates the writer’s understanding of the topic or source material being discussed and provides unique insight into the subject being discussed.
Transitional bridges or phrases are included, creating cohesion within the paper.
Each body paragraph concludes with a resolute wrap-up sentence, statement, or closer.
Overall, each body paragraph contributes logically to the points and arguments being made in the essay. They are organized, they stay on point, and they help maintain the paper’s sense of flow and coherence.
Conclusion
The conclusion begins with an echo that refers back to the hook in the introduction.
The original thesis statement is restated clearly.
The original sub-theses, listing statements, or pops are restated clearly.
The conclusion ends with a resolute and satisfying reflection that adequately wraps up or otherwise muses on the ideas that were discussed in the body of the paper. It leaves the reader with a lasting impression and makes the essay feel finished.
General Expectations
The paper is at least XX words in length.
The paper is organized, stays focused, and clearly addresses the prompt.
The paper exhibits an overall sense of logic, coherence, and intentional structure.
Errors in spelling, grammar, and syntax do not interfere with the enjoyment and understanding of the essay.
There is evidence of revision based on reflection and feedback.
The Rubrics
Component-Specific Rubrics (Click on the image to enlarge)
Holistic Rubrics (click on the image taking enlarge)
Common Core Literacy and Writing Standards of Focus
General
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources, and demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text.
These standards are supported by essaypop’s writing frame system which guides students through the creation of distinct and discrete essay elements. The thesis statement frame allows the writer to introduce a focused claim, while the sentence starters allow students to dial up numerous phrases and stems to begin expressing this claim.
The research detail frames provide a place for students to write their reasons and evidence. These frames can be easily and strategically stacked, alternated, and rearranged. The sentence starters allow students to introduce and smoothly contextualize their evidence.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
The frame-writing method that essaypop employs allows students to compose an organized essay that takes them through introduction, development, and closure in a cohesive and intentional manner.
Establish and maintain a formal style.
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
In the Hive, students collaborate, communicate, and give and receive writing feedback. Students may be strategically grouped or clustered by the teacher, or the Hive can be left wide open (alpha mode) so that students may communicate with any other student.
Here is a link to the entire collection of Common Core writing standards for all grade levels.