Rubric for Essays

Check the Course Schedule for essay topics, requirements, due dates, and submission directions. The following criteria will determine your essay score:

Essay Criteria	Proficient (A/B)	Adequate (C)	Needs Improvement (D/F)
Essay title prepares readers for its thesis
Introduction reveals the topic and establishes the context
Thesis is clear, easy to identify, and makes a claim appropriate for the essay assignment's prompt.
Essay summarizes the assigned text.
Summary includes the original text's title, author, thesis, and support for the thesis.
Essay organization is evident and logical
Paragraphs include one main idea each and sufficient supporting details
Transitions reveal connections between ideas, are smooth and elegant
Conclusion answers the "so what?" question
Essay is written in first- or third-person point of view
Essay includes appropriate attributions for text's information and quotes
Essay includes in-text citations in correct, current MLA style
Essay includes works cited entries in correct MLA style
Grammar and mechanics are correct
Essay formatting is correct