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Date__________________________
Class______
Directions: Please make sure to read all the following carefully. It will help you with writing your own
expository essay. Make sure to follow the rubric!
Pick one of the following essay topics to write an expository essay on. Make sure your essay is at least 5
paragraphs and includes the following:
-
Paragraph structure: topic sentences, supporting details, analysis, & summary sentences
Well-chosen, specific, and relevant evidence that supports the thesis statement and reflects
depth of understanding of the topic
Analysis clearly and convincingly explains how and why evidence connects to thesis
Thesis is clearly proven throughout the paper using the evidence and analysis
The conclusion leaves the reader with a clear and solid understanding of the writer's position.
There is an effective restatement of the thesis, summary of main points and concluding
thought.
Make sure that your argument is clear, fluid, and easy to follow; it should make sense to the reader. Use
specific examples for support.
Essay topics:
Is evil intrinsic or extrinsic to humans? Why?
Why is there war in our world?
Why do people struggle for power? How do people obtain power?
Why do people choose to conform or not conform?
Are people good because of nature or nurture?
What is the best type of government and why?
Why do some civilizations prosper while others do not?
Introduction/
A paper
The introductory paragraph has a
strong hook that connects to the
topic (fact, anecdote, and statistic),
a clear thesis, and an overview of
the structure of the paper.
B paper
The introductory paragraph has a
somewhat strong hook that
connects to the topic (fact,
anecdote, and statistic), a clear
thesis, and an overview of the
structure of the paper.
C paper
The introductory paragraph has a
hook that connects to the topic
(fact, anecdote, and statistic), a
thesis, and an overview of the
structure of the paper.
D / F paper
The introductory paragraph has a
weak hook that connects to the
topic (fact, anecdote, and statistic)
and/or a weak thesis, and/or does
not have an overview of the
structure of the paper.
15 14
The thesis provides a clear, strong
statement of the author's position
on the topic.
13 12
The thesis provides a clear
statement of the author's position
on the topic.
11
The thesis provides a statement of
the author's position on the topic.
10 9 / 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
The thesis does not provide a clear
statement of the author's position
on the topic.
5 4.5
The writers thought process is
clear and the discussion is well
organized.
4
The writers thought process and
discussion are well organized.
3.5
The writers thought process and
discussion are somewhat
organized.
3 / 2 1 0
The writers thought process and
discussion are disorganized.
15 14
The paper includes well-chosen,
specific, and relevant evidence to
support the thesis statement and
reflects great depth of
understanding of the topic.
13 12
The paper includes mostly
relevant evidence to support the
thesis statement and reflects depth
of understanding of the topic.
15 points
Thesis
Statement
Name:
5 points
Organization
15 points
11
Evidence/
Analysis
40 points
35 34 33 32
Conventions/
Fluency
40 39 38 37 36
Author makes very few errors in
grammar, punctuation, word
choice, or spelling.
MLA format if correctly followed.
31 30 29 28
Author makes many errors in
grammar, punctuation, word
choice, or spelling that may
interfere with comprehensibility of
the essay.
MLA format is mostly followed.
15 14
The conclusion leaves the reader
with a clear and solid
understanding of the writer's
position.
13 12
The conclusion leaves the reader
with a clear understanding of the
writer's position.
11
The conclusion leaves the reader
with a basic understanding of the
writer's position.
10 9
15 points
Conclusion
10 points
10 9 / 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
The paper includes insufficient,
weak, or irrelevant evidence to
support the thesis statement and/or
reflects little to no understanding
of the topic.
6 / 5 4 3 2 1 0