Narrative Essay Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction/Thesis Statement 10 pts A: Very well-developed introduction with a clear thesis statement that introduces the topic and makes a central point about it. It engages the reader and creates interest. Contains accurate and complete information regarding the topic to be described. 8 pts B: Introduction contains a thesis statement. The thesis creates interest and is fairly well developed, but while it contains accurate and complete information regarding the topic being described, it is not very engaging. 6 pts C.Introduction contains a thesis statement, but it either does not give accurate and complete information about the topic, or it lacks detail and creativity. 4 pts D:The introduction does not contain a thesis statement. It does not introduce the central theme of the essay. 0 pts F: Thesis is misleading, hard to find, or does not present a compelling argument for the description. 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody Paragraphs 20 pts Each body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence that focuses each paragraph around one point. Details/examples in the body paragraphs are clear and well developed, and there are enough details to create vivid images in the reader’s mind with the use of vivid/ sense language that creates a dominant impression. 16 pts Each body paragraph contains a clear topic sentence that focuses each paragraph on one point. Details/examples are clear and presented from general to specific, but they are not well developed. Vivid/sense language is not used as effectively as it could be used to create imagery for the reader. 12 pts Some body paragraphs don’t contain a clear topic sentence or might not have as strong a topic sentence as is needed. There are details/examples in each paragraph, but they might be either unclear or not presented from general to specific. Vivid/sense language is not used effectively, or the details do not create a dominant impression in the paragraph. 8 pts Many of the paragraphs are missing essential details or the details in the overall essay focus on one sense, when other details could be offered to enrich the experience. 0 pts Body paragraphs do not contain a topic sentence. Details/examples are either wrong or lacking. No vivid/sense language is used. There is no dominant impression created in the paragraph. 20 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOverall Organization 25 pts Logical progression of details with a clear and effective order that enhances the essay and provides a vivid description of the topic with appropriate and effective transitions. 20 pts Logical progression of details with a clear and effective order. Transitions are present, but they do not enhance the overall effectiveness of the paragraph. 15 pts Organization is clear. Some transitions are present, while others are either inappropriate or missing. 10 pts The flow of the essay from detail to detail is difficult to understand or implies that important information has been left out. 0 pts No discernible organization. Transitions are not present. 25 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle (flow, tone, word choice) 25 pts Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Consistent and appropriate tone and word choice is used throughout the paragraph. Sense language is used to “show, not tell” the reader what is being described. 20 pts Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. There is consistent tone and word choice is appropriate with fairly good use of sense language to create imagery. 15 pts Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. The tone is inconsistent and word choice, while adequate, could be better. While sense language is used, it is not very effective in creating imagery 10 pts Writing appears rushed or underdeveloped. 0 pts Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Contains fragments and/or run-on sentences. The tone and purpose is inconsistent and difficult to determine. The word choice is inadequate. 25 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics 15 pts No consistent errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization. 12 pts A few minor consistent errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization, but they do not detract from the overall meaning and effectiveness of the paragraph. 10 pts A few regular errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling, and capitalization that. while distracting, the meaning and intent of the paragraph can still be discerned. 8 pts The overall presentation of the essay displays a lack of proofreading and attention to detail. While the essay MIGHT be readable, it is uncomfortable and unprofessional. 0 pts Distracting and major errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. 15 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMLA format 5 pts Perfect MLA formatting; essay a minimum of 800 words 4 pts 2-3 errors but paper is recognizable as MLA; essay is a minimum of 800 words. 2 pts 4+ errors and paper is hard to recognize as MLA; essay is a minimum of 800 words 1 pts 5+ errors and paper does not show evidence of MLA formatting, though it is typed clearly; essay is a minimum of 800 words. 0 pts MLA formatting not evident at all. Presentation makes it difficult to read; essay is less than 800 words. 5 pts Total Points: 100
