Organization (10 pts.) The writer's points have a distinct structure that grows out of the thesis, and the paper contains no digressions.

Development (40 pts.) The writer poses an interesting thesis that he or she sustains throughout the paper. The writer develops his or her discussion in a substantial way, explaining one point of comparison and contrast in depth before moving on to the next. The writer also effectively integrates primary material into the discussion of his or her thesis, using examples to support his or her points.

Research, Support, and M.L.A. format (10 pts.) The writer successfully weaves into the paper two sources found through GALILEO, and those sources are cited properly both within the text and on the Works Cited page.

Academic Language Conventions (20 pts.) The writer’s prose rarely deviates from Standard American English. It includes no examples of 1) commas splices, 2) sentence fragments, 3) fused sentences, 4) apostrophe errors, 5) pronoun errors, or 6) verb errors. The essay is also mostly free of minor errors.

Style and mechanics (15 pts.) The writer chooses words carefully for rhetorical effect. In addition, the writer demonstrates careful revision through mature diction, use of the present tense, sentence variation, thoughtful phrasing, avoidance of the passive voice, elimination of the second person, and the appropriate use of transitions. (See attached for minimum guidelines.)

Grading Standards Sheet (5 pts.) The writer has filled out the grading standards sheet with a clear awareness of the process involved in evaluating his or her own work.

Total (100 pts.)