| Points | Essay Characteristics |
|---|
| 6 | - Excellent organization of ideas
- Clarity and conciseness
- Be virtually error-free in grammar and usage
|
| 5 | - Displays the features of a 6-point essay, but be slightly weaker in organization, clarity, and grammar
|
| 4 | - Lacks the organizational and structural sophistication of a 5- or 6-point essay
- Basic competence in grammar and usage
|
| 3 | - Overly formulaic organization or lacking organization
- Lack of clarity with vague and wordy construction (excessive use of passive voice, excessive nominalization)
- Problems with grammar and usage
|
| 2 | - Compounds the problems of a 3-point essay and displays: Significant flaws in organization
- Lack of overall coherence and usage of terms without prior definition
- Consistent flaws in syntax, diction, grammar, or spelling
|
| 1 | - Compounds the weaknesses of a 2-point essay
|
References
Cherie Miot Abbanat. 11.229 Advanced Writing Seminar. Spring 2004. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare, https://ocw-mit-edu.ezproxyberklee.flo.org. License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA.
