Five Paragraph Essay

CATEGORY	1	2	3	4
Conclusion (Organization)	There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends.	The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends.	The conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all the loose ends.	The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer is "getting at."
Grammar & Spelling (Conventions)	Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.	Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.	Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.	Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Capitalization & Punctuation (Conventions)	Writer makes several errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and greatly interrupt the flow.	Writer makes a few errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and interrupt the flow.	Writer makes 1 or 2 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the paper is still easy to read.	Writer makes no errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the paper is exceptionally easy to read.
Adding Personality (Voice)	The writer has not tried to transform the information in a personal way. The ideas and the way they are expressed seem to belong to someone else.	The writer relates some of his own knowledge or experience, but it adds nothing to the discussion of the topic.	The writer seems to be drawing on knowledge or experience, but there is some lack of ownership of the topic.	The writer seems to be writing from knowledge or experience. The author has taken the ideas and made them "his own."
Focus on Topic (Content)	The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information.	Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information.	Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general.	There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information.
Sentence Structure (Sentence Fluency)	Sentences lack structure and appear incomplete or rambling.	Most sentences are well constructed but have a similar structure.	Most sentences are well constructed with varied structure.	All sentences are well constructed with varied structure.
Introduction (Organization)	There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the paper.	The introduction states the main topic, but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to the reader.	The introduction clearly states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper, but is not particularly inviting to the reader.	The introduction is inviting, states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper.