Outline

______Follows the required format.

______In point form, concise, and precise.

______Thesis and Restatement: Full sentences

Title

______ Appropriate and effective

Ideas 

______The paper is clear and focused (thesis/claim is obvious).

______Ideas are fresh and original. 

Details

______ Relevant, telling, accurate, quality details/evidence go beyond the obvious. 

______ Details back up all claims effectively.

Organization

______ Structure of the paper enhances the central idea/claim/thesis. 

______ Includes satisfying introduction (hook, good narrowing down, and appropriate thesis/claim) that 

would make a reader want to keep reading.

______ Includes a satisfying conclusion: restatement, opening up (advice, opinion, saying, or food for thought). 

______ Thoughtful transitions and excellent "flow"/pacing of information throughout.

______ Sequencing logical and effective. I tell things in an order that makes sense.

Voice

______ I speak directly to the reader in an individual, compelling, engaging way.

______ I have thought about my reader. I have tried to make my writing clear to him/her.

______ I take risks, and the paper is interesting, honest and engaging.

Language

______ Words convey the message in a precise, interesting and natural way. 

______ Words are specific and accurate. I choose words that will help make my meaning clear. 

______ Language enhances and clarifies meaning. 

______ Sentences are well built (good sentence structure). 

______ My paper would be easy to read out loud.

Conventions or Mechanics

______ My punctuation is correct. 

______ I use capital letters on proper names of people, places, or things. 

______ My spelling is correct. 

______ I respect the “Agreement of tenses” rule. 

______ I have proofread my paper. 

Presentation

______ Paper visually clear and pleasing.