Structural Coherence

Central Claim

Does the piece of writing include:

  • a central claim which is supportable or
  • a central idea that guides its structure?

Unity

  • Does the piece keep its focus?

Development

  • Does every part stand in some relation to the thesis?
  • Do the sentences and paragraphs form an effective sequence?

Introduction

Does the opening passage:

  • announce the principle question to be addressed?
  • establish the rhetorical mode and diction?

Conclusion

Does the closing passage:

  • leave the reader with a clear sense of the central claim?

Conventions

Mechanics

Does the piece demonstrate competence in:

  • grammar
  • spelling 
  • punctuation
  • standard idioms of written English?

Citations/Graphics

Do the quotations, footnotes, and non-narrative features:

  • appear in conventional format?
  • effectively support the central claim?

Academic Discipline

  • Does the writing conform to the conventions of a specific academic discipline?

Intellectual Engagement

Does this piece reveal a writer who:

  • is curious and involved?
  • reflects and questions?
  • acknowledges implications and internal tensions? 
  • is attentive to subtleties and complexity?