1. Explain WHY Thesis Statement Details Examples Reasons Importance Allusions Short Anecdote Idea or Another Person NOT about me!! About my THINKING!! Read Quote or Synopsis Think Write Be sure to I HAVE to… READ Quote or Synopsis THINK WRITEWRITE

2. Thesis Statement Read Quote or Synopsis Think Write Be sure to I HAVE to… READ Quote or Synopsis THINK WRITEWRITE State position clearly Support your POSITION Take BOTH sides Forceful Argument Convincing Evidence Complex Ties of Issues Opposing Point of View Alternate Point of View Your unique experiences Your unique view of the world

3. WHAT A SCORE MEANS:  0-4 NOT A PASSING SCORE  5 BARELY PASSING (Too close for comfort)  6 PASSING POTENTIAL COMMENDED PERFORMANCE  7-8 POTENTIAL COMMENDED PERFORMANCE

4. ORGANIZATIOIN AND PROGRESSION OF IDEAS STRUCTURE ORGANIZED TO HELP BEST EXPLAIN YOUR THINKING A CLEAR (UNPERSUASIVE) THESIS ALL IDEAS ARE LINKED/ALIGN WITH THE THESIS TRANSITIONS ARE MEANINGFUL AND SENTENCE-TO- SENTENCE CONNECTIONS SHOW THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG IDEAS

5. DEVELOPMENT OF IDEAS MINIMUM OF TWO SUPPORTING IDEAS TO EXPLAIN YOUR THESIS EXAMPLES ARE SPECIFIC (DETAILED) AND ENGAGING SHOWS THOUGHTFULNESS SHOW ORIGINALITY (bring something “new to the table”; unique experience)

6. Use of Language and Conventions Clear and Specific Word Choice that sets a tone (attitude) appropriate for the task. Sentences vary from simple to compound/complex and WELL CONTROLLED! Each sentence serves a good purpose to the essay. Consistent use of well-written sentences, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and usage conventions.

7. Score Feedback for Improving your Writing ORGANIZATION Organize for clarity and logical direction Focus all ideas on the topic Connect all ideas meaningfully IDEAS Develop ideas with specific details, examples, and reasons Show depth of thought and engage the reader CONVENTIONS Choose words effectively Vary sentences purposefully Show a command of conventions: spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, usage, and sentence boundaries.