Content and Organization.

1. Includes an introduction that hooks the reader and clearly states the topic and purpose

Points

Strong

Average

Weak

8

6

4

2. Includes a clearly written thesis statement

8

6

4

3. Establishes the organization of the paper by presenting major support from thesis statement in the same order that it is addressed in the body of  the paper

8

6

4

4. Conclusions drawn from the literature represent a knowledge of relevant historical events  

8

6

4

5. Contains specific facts and details to support the main ideas
   (At least three direct references to the text are used to support thesis)

8

6

4

6. At least one Internet reference source is cited and properly documented

8

6

4

7. Concludes with an effective conclusion

8

6

4

8. Gives credit for the ideas and statements of others by properly documenting sources parenthetically  within the text and by including a properly formatted bibliography at the end of the essay.

8

6

4

9. Meets content length and formatting requirements.

8

6

4

Language and Sentence Structure

10. Effectively uses transitional words to show relationships among ideas and uses a variety of  sentence structures

8

7

4

Mechanics, Usage, Grammar, and Spelling

11. Contains no more than two or three minor errors in grammar and usage,

10

7

5

12. Contains no more than two or three minor errors in spelling, capitalization, and  punctuation.

10

7

5