6 Exemplary—your paper
* is fresh and original (thesis)
* has a purposeful organizational plan
* shows unusual connection and reflective commentary
* uses innovative, effective and appropriate sentence structure
* uses superior diction to establish clear tone
* has few, if any, mechanical flaws

5 Discerning—your paper
* has well-developed and elaborated ideas (thesis)
* is clearly organized
* has two or more areas of analysis and reflective commentary
* uses clear concise sentences and effective transitions
* uses mature diction to convey consistent tone
* uses correct mechanics consistently

4 Thoughtful—your paper
* has adequate development (thesis)
* follows a basic organizational plan
* has some depth of insight in commentary
* uses varied sentence structure and some transitions
* uses adequate diction to express appropriate tone
* has occasional errors in mechanics and spelling

3 Literal—your paper
* meets the basic requirements of a paper (thesis)
* is somewhat organized but may lose focus
* has some development of ideas of commentary
* communicates ideas on a literal level (sentence structure)
* uses elementary diction
* has mechanical errors which interfere with reading

2 Limited—your paper
* loses focus on topic (thesis)
* has inconsistent organization
* is shallow in insight, offering little commentary
* makes vague or confusing statements
* uses elementary diction
* has major mechanical problems

1 Minimal—your paper
* has little or no development (thesis)
* has little or no organization
* has little or no insight
* uses weak, incoherent or simple sentences
* uses elementary diction
* has major mechanical problems

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