Your essay is supposed to provide a supported answer to the following questions:

[insert topic here]

In order to do well on this paper, you need to do these things:

1. Have your own clear answer to this question,
2. Support your answer with strong arguments and textual details, drawing on your own experiences or the experience of others, and
3. Make your essay clear enough for the reader to understand with one reading.

Criterion 1:

Does your essay have a thesis statement at the within the first paragraph that answers the question? (_____points)

Criterion 2:

Is your thesis supported with strong argumentation and use of significant details? (_____points)

Criterion 3:

Is your paper easy for a reader to follow?

• Paragraph and transitions (_____points)
• Clear sentences (_____points)
• Accurate mechanics (grammar, punctuation, spelling, neatness) (_____points)