Paragraph Writing

Here is a link to the rubric that will be used to grade your paragraph assessment.

	Above Level 5	At Level 4                                 3	Below Level 2                            1
Topic Sentence Outcome 1	The topic sentence is exceptionally clear, is sophisticated or insightful, and is well supported throughout the essay.	The topic sentence is clear and is well-supported throughout the essay.	The topic sentence is either unclear or it is not supported throughout the essay.
Supporting  Ideas (Outcome 2)	Supporting ideas and textual references are very effective at supporting the topic sentence.	Supporting ideas and textual references aim at supporting the topic sentence and, for the most part, are successful.	Supporting ideas and textual references require development. Examples do not support the topic sentences.
Topic and Concluding Sentences, and Discussion of Literary Devices (Outcome 3)	Topic sentences are focused. They support and discuss aspects of the thesis statement. Several literary devices are discussed.	Topic sentences are somewhat focused. For the most part, they support and discuss aspects of the thesis. Discussion of literary devices is adequate.	Topic sentences are unfocused. For the most part, they do not support and discuss aspects of the thesis.  Discussion of literary devices is limited or non-existent.
Conventions (Outcome 4)	Spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph structure are very accurate.	Spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph structure are fairly accurate.	Inaccuracies in spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph structure hinder communication.
Citing and “Works Cited” Outcome 5	Resources have been cited correctly using MLA format. The “Works Cited” page has been created following proper formatting conventions.	Resources have been cited correctly, for the most part, using MLA format. The “Works Cited” page has been created following most formatting conventions.	Citations are heavily flawed or missing. Formatting problems exist in the “Works Cited” page.