Midterm Exam

There is one clear, well-focused thesis statement (claim/argument) that effectively addresses the prompt. Introduction contains a hook and effectively draws the reader into the topic.

The thesis/purpose is evident although it may lack clarity. There is an attempt to hook the reader into the topic, but the introduction may be underdeveloped.

There is a vague thesis statement, but it is not effective. It may be off topic or unclear. Hook may be missing and/or introduction is ineffective.

There is no clear thesis statement in intro. The writer jumps right into the topic without making the purpose clear. There is a clear lack of understanding or effort.

Ideas do not address the prompt.

The assignment is clearly organized around a clear thesis. Ideas are thoroughly developed and effectively flow.

The assignment is somewhat clearly organized. Ideas are varied and mostly developed although they may lack coherency.

The paper may be underdeveloped and with regards to content. There is a lack of supporting textual.

Paper’s meaning and purpose isn’t clear. It appears that there is a lack of understanding or effort.

No evident organization.

The analysis encourages the audience to think about the author’s choices and techniques regarding characterization as well as how the character reflects society/culture/history/place Student uses at least three direct, relevant, and well-chosen short quotes to support all claims.

The analysis encourages the audience to think about the how the author portrays the character and some possible reflections on society and culture. Student uses some supporting quotes to back up claims, but quotes are too few (less than three), not relevant or explained.

The analysis is vague or unclear or serves as more of an overview or summary than an analysis. There is little supporting information from the text (less than two quotes).

There is no analysis and very little to no supporting information from the text.

Student does not appear to how to support ideas in an essay.

Quotes are properly cited in-text, and sources are cited correctly using APA format, academic integrity statement is submitted. THREE sources are present and are taken from an academic database (ex. ProQuest) rather than a search engine (ex. Google).

Quotes/sources are cited but not in correct format. In-text citations AND reference list is provided, but there are less than three sources, and/or the sources are not from an academic database. Academic honesty statement is submitted.

Quotes/sources are not cited although some attempt to incorporate sources is evident. Ex. the student may have only provided url links in a reference list. Academic honesty statement is submitted.

Sources are either not present or not cited correctly. Academic honesty statement not submitted.

Student does not understand how to apply sources.

Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distracts the reader from the content. Academic integrity statement is included.

Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Academic integrity statement is included

Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling. Academic integrity statement not included.

Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar. Academic integrity statement not included.

Too many errors obscure the paper’s meaning.