iRubric: Cause & Effect Essay - 3203 Final Exam rubric

The thesis statement clearly identifies the topic of the essay and outlines the specific main points to be discussed.<BR>
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The thesis statement is placed correctly.

The introduction is creative and attracts the reader's interest.

The thesis statement presents the topic of the essay, and generally outlines of the points without addressing the specifics<BR>
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The thesis statement is placed correctly.

Introduction creates some interest and is somewhat engaging.

The thesis statement has awkward sentence structure and has grammatical errors.

Introduction makes general statements but does not grab attention.

The thesis statement is not clear, or one was not included. The thesis statement was off-topic.

Introduction is off-topic or limited in content

The writer provided thoroughly sufficient details and examples to support the three causes, Paragraphs are balanced and logical in support. Credibility is established with direct quotes and expert opinion. Sources are interwoven into the paragraphs to provide multiple viewpoints.

The writer provided some details and examples to support three causes. Paragraphs are mostly balanced and logical in support. Credibility is established with direct quotes and expert opinion. Sources are more blocked than interwoven. Paragraphs may be limited in viewpoint to one source.

The writer did not provide enough details and examples to support the causes or fewer than 3 causes were explored.
Paragraphing may be unbalanced.
Support may be too dependent on one source.

The body paragraphs are off-topic and do not relate to thesis statement.

Fewer than 3 causes were explored or the effects are not logically effects or may be correlation rather than causation.

Support shows a lack of research or lack of logic.

Support may not be based on experts.

Clear topic sentences. Details are placed in a logical order;<BR>
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A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how the ideas are connected.
Quotes are integrated smoothly and are proportional to the original writing.

Basic topic sentences. Most details are placed in a logical order, and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader.<BR>
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Some transitions work well; but connections between other ideas are unclear.
Quotes are integrated but may not be smooth or may be disproporte to the original writing.

No topic sentences. Some details may not be in a logical order or expected order, and this distracts the reader.There is little sense that the writing is organized.<BR>
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The transitions between ideas are unclear or nonexistent.
Quotes are not integrated but are "dropped in."

Supporting sentences do not relate to topic sentences.
Quotes are "dropped in" and may or may not make sense or provide appropriate support.

MLA Format perfect on heading, header, citations, works cited

Very few errors present

Multiple errors

Many errors that make the MLA formatting poorly done