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Claim or main idea and Claim or main idea and
reasons reasons demonstrate a
lack of comprehension of
the text(s) or task
introduce the text and clearly introduce the text clearly introduce the text
the claim or main idea in and the claim or main and the claim or main
a manner that does not idea in a manner that idea in a manner that is
logically follow from the follows from the task and compelling and follows
task and purpose purpose logically from the task
claim or main idea and claim or main idea and and purpose
reasons demonstrate reasons demonstrate claim or main idea and
little understanding of grade-appropriate reasons demonstrate
the text(s) analysis of the text(s) insightful analysis of the
text(s)

Evidence/Elaboration demonstrate an attempt
to use evidence, but only
develop ideas with
minimal, occasional
evidence that is generally
invalid or irrelevant
attempt to explain how
evidence supports ideas
Organization exhibit little attempt at
organization, or attempts
to organize are irrelevant
to the task
lack a formal style, using
language that is
imprecise or
inappropriate for the
text(s) and task
provide a concluding
statement or section that
is illogical or unrelated to
the claim and reasons
presented
partially develop the develop the claim or
claim or main idea of the main idea with relevant
essay with the use of facts, definitions, details,
some textual evidence, quotations, or other
some of which may be information and
irrelevant examples from the text(s)
use relevant evidence sustain the use of
inconsistently relevant evidence, with
sometimes logically some lack of variety
explain how evidence logically explain how
supports ideas evidence supports ideas
exhibit some attempt at exhibit mostly clear
organization, with organization, with some
inconsistent use of inconsistent use of
transitions transitions
establish but fail to establish but does not
maintain a formal style, always maintain a formal
with inconsistent use of style, with some
language and domain- inconsistent use of
specific vocabulary language and domain-
provide a concluding specific vocabulary
statement or section that provide a concluding
follows generally the statement or section that
claim and reasons follows generally the
presented claim and reasons
presented
develop the claim or
main idea with relevant,
well-chosen facts,
definitions, concrete
details, quotations, or
other information and
examples from the text(s)
sustain the use of varied,
relevant evidence
skillfully and logically
explain how evidence
supports ideas
exhibit clear
organization, with the
use of appropriate
transitions to create a
unified whole
establish and maintain a
formal style using precise
language and domain-
specific vocabulary
provide a concluding
statement or section that
follows from the claim
and reasons presented