Prof. Francia ENG 101 Fall 2024: Home

Knowledge and Understanding of Content

• Excellent, detailed knowledge and understanding of the content presented.
•  Research question is clear, specific, open-ended, and nuanced.
• Multiple perspectives are thoughtfully explored.

• Good knowledge and understanding of the content presented.
• Research question is clear and has multiple possible answers.
• Multiple perspectives are explored.

• Adequate knowledge and understanding of the content presented.
• Research topic is interesting, though question may need to be clarified or made more specific or open-ended.
• Multiple perspectives are acknowledged, may need more exploration.

• Some knowledge and understanding of the content
• Research question may be too general or not open-ended
• Multiple perspectives may not be acknowledged

Organization

• Essay is well-organized, containing a well-written introduction with a clear thesis statement, well-organized body paragraphs with clear topic sentences, and a conclusion that ties the essay together.
• Clear thesis statement developed consistently throughout essay
• Makes expert  use of  transitions to maintain a good flow and development  from one idea to the next.

• Essay is organized, containing an introduction with a thesis statement, well-organized body paragraphs with topic sentences, and a conclusion.
• Thesis statement is clear and maintained throughout essay
• Makes use of  transitions to maintain flow from one idea to the next.

• Essay is mostly organized, containing an introduction and thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Thesis statement and/or  topic sentences may need clarification or development.
• Makes some use of  transitions.

• Essay attempts standard organization, including introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
•  However, may lack a clear thesis or topic sentences or be hard to follow.
•  May lack transitions and seem to jump from one idea to another without warning. 

Use of Sources

Demonstrates skillful use of high-quality, credible, relevant sources to develop ideas that are appropriate for the discipline and genre of the writing

Demonstrates consistent use of credible, relevant sources to support ideas that are situated within the discipline and genre of the writing

Demonstrates an attempt to use credible and/or relevant sources to support ideas that are appropriate for the discipline and genre of the writing

Demonstrates an attempt to use sources to support ideas in the writing.

Syntax and Mechanics

Uses graceful language that skillfully communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency, and is virtually error-free

Uses straightforward language that generally conveys meaning to readers.  Language has few errors.

Uses language that generally conveys meaning to readers with clarity, although writing may include some errors

Uses language that sometimes impedes meaning because of errors in language

MLA Formatting

Essay is formatted according to MLA. In-text citations are correctly formatted. MLA works cited page is correctly formatted.

Essay is formatted according to MLA. In-text citations are correctly formatted, with few very minor errors. MLA works cited page is correctly formatted.

Citation is attempted but may not be formatted correctly

Major errors in citation (NOTE: any plagiarism must result in a failing grade for the essay)