|  | 
Above Level 
5 | 
At Level 
4                                
  3 | 
Below Level 
2                           
  1 | 
| 
Topic Sentence 
Outcome 1 | 
The topic sentence is exceptionally clear, is
  sophisticated or insightful, and is well supported throughout the essay.  | 
The topic sentence is clear and is well-supported
  throughout the essay.  | 
The topic sentence is either unclear or it
  is not supported throughout the essay. | 
| 
Supporting 
  Ideas 
(Outcome 2) | 
Supporting ideas and textual references are
  very effective at supporting the topic sentence. | 
Supporting ideas and textual references aim
  at supporting the topic sentence and, for the most part, are successful.  | 
Supporting ideas and textual references
  require development. Examples do not support the topic sentences. | 
| 
Topic and Concluding Sentences, and Discussion of
  Literary Devices 
(Outcome 3) | 
Topic sentences are focused. They support and discuss
  aspects of the thesis statement. Several literary devices are discussed. | 
Topic sentences are somewhat focused. For the most part,
  they support and discuss aspects of the thesis. Discussion of literary
  devices is adequate.   | 
Topic sentences are unfocused. For the most part, they do
  not support and discuss aspects of the thesis.  Discussion of literary devices is limited or non-existent. | 
| 
Conventions 
(Outcome 4) | 
Spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and
  paragraph structure are very accurate. | 
Spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and
  paragraph structure are fairly accurate. | 
Inaccuracies in spelling, grammar, sentence
  structure, and paragraph structure hinder communication. | 
| 
Citing and “Works Cited” 
Outcome 5 | 
Resources have been cited correctly using
  MLA format. The “Works Cited” page has been created following proper
  formatting conventions. | 
Resources have been cited correctly, for the
  most part, using MLA format. The “Works Cited” page has been created
  following most formatting conventions. | 
Citations are heavily flawed or missing.
  Formatting problems exist in the “Works Cited” page. | 
Paragraph Rubric
