Assignment Graded Essay Instructions

Your essay should consist of:

An introduction paragraph, which contains a minimum of two sentences that introduces your answer to the reader and establishes a foundation for the remainder of your answer.
Body paragraph(s), which present the major content of your answer. Each body paragraph consists of at least two sentences. Most students include two to three body paragraphs with three or four sentences within each body paragraph.
A conclusion paragraph, which contains a minimum of two sentences and summarizes the major points contained in the body paragraphs.

Your instructor will use the following rubric to grade your essay:

Grading Rubric for 20-Point Essays

Criterion	Student Demonstration Levels				Criterion Points
- 1 - Understanding	No Understanding to Incorrect Understanding	Correct Understanding with Insufficient Supporting Rationale	Correct Understanding with Sufficient Supporting Rationale	Correct Understanding with Excellent Supporting Rationale	5
- 2 - Critical Thinking	Critical Thinking not Evident - No Supporting Rationale	Weak Critical Thinking - Supporting Rationale is Flawed	Solid Critical Thinking –Logical Supporting Rationale	Excellent Critical Thinking – Excellent Supporting Rationale	5
- 3 - Key Concepts and Terms	Key Course Concepts and Terms Not Used, or Used Incorrectly	Key Course Concepts and Terms Used Incorrectly or Seldom Used Correctly	Key Course Concepts and Terms Used Sufficiently Throughout Answers	Key Course Concepts and Terms Used Correctly and Exceptionally Well Throughout Answers	5
- 4 - Writing	Ineffective Introduction, Body, or Conclusion; Gross Grammar, Sentence Structure, Spelling, or Punctuation Errors	Appropriate Introduction, Body, and Conclusion; Frequent Grammar, Sentence Structure, Spelling, or Punctuation Errors	Appropriate Introduction, Body, and Conclusion; Few Grammar, Sentence Structure, Spelling, or Punctuation Errors	Excellent Introduction, Body, and Conclusion; No Grammar, Sentence Structure, Spelling, or Punctuation Errors	5
Total Possible Points 20