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Essay Exam Grading Standards

Some of this information is adapted from this website:

http://www.mccfl.edu/pages/1592.asp

You will have 50 minutes to complete a multiple-paragraph essay on a given topic. You will not know the two topics ahead of time. Here are some practice topics suggested by Manatee Community College:

Select a twentieth century world, national, or local person who has had an important influence on one area, such as politics, science, sports, or the arts. Explain the positive or negative impact of the person and give examples to support your views.
Choose one invention or discovery that has significantly influenced modern society. Show either the positive and/or negative influence of this invention or discovery.
Describe a place you go to relax and explain why and how this place is relaxing.
An important lesson you have learned while in school.

Grading Standards for Essay Exam

To pass the essay, you must earn at least a score of 3 from two separate readers.

Score of 6

This paper has a clearly established main idea (thesis) that the writer fully develops with specific details and examples. Organization is notably logical and coherent. Vocabulary and sentence structure are varied and effective. Errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics are few and insignificant.

Score of 5

This paper has a clearly established main idea (thesis) that is adequately developed and recognizable through specific details and/or examples. Organization follows a logical and coherent pattern. Vocabulary and sentence structure are mostly varied and effective. Occasional errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics do not interfere with the writer’s ability to communicate.

Score of 4

This paper has an adequately stated main idea (thesis) that is developed with some specific details and examples. Supporting ideas are presented in a mostly logical and coherent manner. Vocabulary and sentence structure are somewhat varied and effective. Occasional errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics may interfere with the writer’s ability to communicate.

Score of 3

The paper states a main idea (thesis) that is developed with generalizations or lists. The paper may contain occasional lapses in logic and coherence and is mechanical. Vocabulary and sentence structure are repetitious and often ineffective. A variety of errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics sometimes interferes with the writer’s ability to communicate.

Score of 2

This paper presents an incomplete or ambiguous main idea (thesis). Support is developed with generalizations and lists. Organization is mechanical. The paper contains occasional lapses in logic and coherence. Word choice is simplistic, and sentence structure is disjointed. Errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics frequently interfere with the writer’s ability to communicate.

Score of 1

This paper has no evident main idea (thesis). Development is inadequate and/or irrelevant. Organization is illogical and/or incoherent. Vocabulary and sentence structure are garbled and confusing. Significant and numerous errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics interfere with the writer’s ability to communicate.