Evaluate college-level essays

Use this rubric to evaluate [Essay Title] by [Name of Author]
 
Criteria	Excellent (A)	Good (B)	Satisfactory (C)	Needs Improvement (D)	Unsatisfactory (F)

Criteria

Thesis Statement and Argument
5 - Exceptional: Clear, concise, and original thesis that is well-developed throughout the essay.
4 - Proficient: Clear and specific thesis, though may lack some originality or full development.
3 - Satisfactory: Thesis is present but is either too general or not effectively supported.
2 - Needs Improvement: Thesis is unclear, poorly stated, or not consistently supported.
1 - Poor: No discernible thesis or argument; essay lacks focus.

Organization and Structure
5 - Exceptional: Logical and seamless structure; excellent transitions between paragraphs.
4 - Proficient: Clear and logical structure; good use of transitions.
3 - Satisfactory: Basic structure; some transitions are weak or missing.
2 - Needs Improvement: Disorganized or somewhat confusing structure; weak transitions.
1 - Poor: No clear organization; very poor or missing transitions.

Evidence and Support
5 - Exceptional: Uses highly relevant and strong evidence to support all claims; excellent integration of sources.
4 - Proficient: Adequate and relevant evidence; good integration of sources.
3 - Satisfactory: Uses evidence that is somewhat relevant; source integration is basic.
2 - Needs Improvement: Limited or unclear evidence; poor integration of sources.
1 - Poor: No evidence or very weak support; no integration of sources.

Analysis and Critical Thinking
5 - Exceptional: Demonstrates thorough analysis and deep critical thinking; shows original insight.
4 - Proficient: Good analysis and critical thinking; some original insight.
3 - Satisfactory: Basic analysis and limited critical thinking; minimal original insight.
2 - Needs Improvement: Weak analysis and critical thinking; lacks original insight.
1 - Poor: No analysis or critical thinking; wholly unoriginal.

Writing Quality and Style
5 - Exceptional: Superb writing quality; clear, engaging, and free of errors.
4 - Proficient: Good writing quality; clear and easy to follow with minor errors.
3 - Satisfactory: Adequate writing quality; some errors and awkward phrasing.
2 - Needs Improvement: Poor writing quality; frequent errors and awkward phrasing.
1 - Poor: Very poor writing quality; pervasive errors and extremely awkward phrasing.

Mechanics (Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling)
5 - Exceptional: Free of all grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors.
4 - Proficient: Few minor errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
3 - Satisfactory: Several errors but they do not impede understanding.
2 - Needs Improvement: Frequent errors that hinder readability.
1 - Poor: Numerous errors that seriously impede understanding.

Overall Impression
5 - Exceptional: An outstanding essay that exceeds expectations.
4 - Proficient: A strong essay that meets expectations with minor issues.
3 - Satisfactory: A satisfactory essay that meets basic expectations with noticeable issues.
2 - Needs Improvement: An essay that needs significant improvement in several areas.
1 - Poor: An unacceptable essay that fails to meet basic expectations.

Scoring Guide
Excellent (A): 90-100%
Good (B): 80-89%
Satisfactory (C): 70-79%
Needs Improvement (D): 60-69%
Unsatisfactory (F): Below 60%

Write your response in tabular format showing how the essay performed according to each aspect of the rubric. Include the student's name and the title of their essay. 

Conclude your evaluation with a one-paragraph narrative summary of the feedback, adding anything else that stood out.