Excellent Good Fair Needs Work
Context        
Theme or idea supported by examples/details.        
Topic paragraph hooks reader.        
Clear relationship of the writer to the communication situation.        
Sources        
Essay responds appropriately to given assignment        
Topic is narrow and developed.        
Contains a central theme or idea.        
Theme or idea supported by examples/details.        
Topic paragraph hooks reader.        
Writer's perspective is fresh and engaging.        
Organization        
All paragraphs support/contribute to focus.        
Paragraphs are arranged in a logical order/flow        
Smooth transitions and links between paragraphs        
All paragraphs support/contribute to focus.        
Paragraphs are well developed through analysis.        
Style        
Consistent voice/tone in essay.        
Writer's logic is clear and concise.        
Vivid, precise word choice.        
Sentence lengths vary.        
Essay is convincing/reader friendly.        
Sentence level errors. (Punctuation, sentence frags, etc.        
Word-level errors. (Careless word choice, spelling, subject/verb agreement.        
Other:        
Delivery        
Functional and consistent layout, expecially headings.        
Attention to the physical presentation (typography, paper quality, binding, etc.).