Five-Paragraph Persuasive Essay: Self Evaluation

Name_____________________________________________________________

Criteria Scale of 0-6

Notes

Does the essay have 5 paragraphs? Is it complete?

Does the writer clearly choose and develop one side of the debate?

Introductory Paragraph

Question

Fact

Anecdote

Thesis [Opinion]…because…_____,_______,

and ______. State opinion clearly and preview

three body paragraphs in one statement.

Body Paragraphs (3)

Are there transitions both between and within paragraphs to give a logical flow?

Does each body paragraph have a topic sentence based on one of the three main reasons stated in the introductory paragraph?

Are the paragraphs focused on logical reasoning issues (THE MRS PE)?

Does each body paragraph have at least 4 supporting details that relate to the topic sentence of each paragraph?

Does each body paragraph include convincing examples, details, and other evidence to support the writer’s argument?

Does the writer include a counter-argument?

Does the writer use appropriate language for his or her audience?

Does each paragraph have a concluding sentence that sums up the main idea and

leads to the next?

Criteria Scale of 0-6

Notes

The Conclusion Paragraph

Does the paragraph begin with a transition?

Does the content of the paragraph persuasively sum up your thesis and main ideas?

Does it contain exciting exits like a call to action?

Mechanics

Is each paragraph clearly indented?

Are the sentences complete? Are they choppy, long, or do they have a natural flow? Are different patterns (compound/complex) used?

Do the spelling, grammar, punctuation, or usage interfere or disrupt the meaning of the essay? Are there patterns of errors?

Reflection1. The 45 min. Persuasive Essay is scored using the NJ Holistic Scoring Rubric (6 point scale).

Since it is a lengthier task, it is worth double (12 points). Using this checklist and the rubric, what score would you have gotten and why?

2. What did you do well in this essay? What are its strengths?

3. What could have went better for you? What are your goals for this kind of essay on the NJASK?

New Jersey Registered Holistic Scoring Rubric – NJ ASK

In Scoring, consider the grid

of  writtenlanguage

Inadequate Command

Limited Command

Partial Command

Adequate Command

Strong Command

Superior Command

Score 1 2 3 4 5 6

Content & Organization

May lack opening and/or closing

May lack opening and/or closing

May lack opening and/or closing

Generally has opening and/or closing

Opening and closing

Opening and closing

Minimal response to topic; uncertain focus

Attempts to focus May drift or shift focus

Usually has single focus

Single focus Single focus Sense of unity and coherence Key ideas developed

Single, distinct focus Unified and coherent Well-developed

No planning evident; disorganized

Attempts organization Few, if any, transitions between ideas

Some lapses or flaws in organization May lack some transitions between ideas

Ideas loosely connected Transition evident

Logical progression of ideas Moderately fluent Attempts compositional risks

Logical progession of ideas Fluent, cohesive Composi-tional risks successful

Details random, inappropriate, or barely apparent

Details lack elaboration, i.e., highlight paper

Repetitious details Several unelaborated details

Uneven development of details

Details appropriate and varied

Details effective, vivid, explicit, and/or pertinent

Usage(see below)

No apparent control Severe/numerous errors

Numerous errors

Errors/ patterns of errors may be evident

Some errors that do not interfere with meaning

Few errors Very few, if any, errors

Sentence Construc-tion(see below)

Assortment of incomplete and/or incorrect sentences

Excessive monotony/ same structure Numerous errors

Little variety in syntax Some errors

Some errors that do not interfere with meaning

Few errors Very few, if any, errors

Mechanics(see below)

Errors so severe they detract from meaning

Numerous serious errors

Patterns of errors evident

No consistent pattern of errors Some errors that do not interfere with meaning

Few errors Very few, if any, errors