Essay Structural Requirements:

  1. Introduction
  2. Hook
  3. Opening Statement
  4. Thesis
  5. Map Statement
  6. Body Paragraph 1
  7. Topic Statement
  8. Reason 1
  9. Example 1
  10. Explanation 1
  11. Reason 2
  12. Example 2
  13. Explanation 2
  14. Transition
  15. Body Paragraph 2
  16. Topic Statement
  17. Reason 1
  18. Example 1
  19. Explanation 1
  20. Reason 2
  21. Example 2
  22. Explanation 2
  23. Transition
  24. Body Paragraph 3
  25. Topic Statement
  26. Reason 1
  27. Example 1
  28. Explanation 1
  29. Reason 2
  30. Example 2
  31. Explanation 2
  32. Conclusion
  33. Summary
  34. Closing Statement

Polish’s Essay Grading Rubric

The Introduction:

510152025

Lacks a hookHas a strong hook (does not need to be a quote) that says talks about the period right before the general topic

Does not explainClearly connects the hook

the hookto the thesis

Lacks a thesisHas a strong, clear thesis that answers the main question

Lacks a map statementHas a clear map statement that outlines the three body paragraphs

The Three Body Paragraphs:

0102030405060

Lack topic statementsClearly state the topic in the first sentence

Lack reasons toHave strong reasons explain the

explain the topic statementstopic statement

Lack specific examplesHave two specific examples to develop the reasons in each paragraph

Examples do not give detailsExamples give the who, what, where, when, why, and how of a situation.

Have examples that lack explanationExplain each example and connect it to the main argument.

Lack transitionsSmoothly transition from one paragraph to another

The Conclusion

12345678910

Does not re-state thesisRe-states thesis in different words.

Does not summarize main argumentSummarizes main argument in different words

Lacks a closing statementCloses with a memorable line that

connects essay to the period immediately following the essay

Points will automatically be deducted for:

Asking questions

Addressing the reader (“Look at Washington”)

Writing “you”

Writing “I,” “us,” “our” or “we” in any paragraph (UNLESS I TELL YOU OTHERWISE)

Abbreviating words like “can’t,” “govt.” or “don’t”

Using present or future tense to talk about past events (“Roosevelt will start the war”)

Writing “this essay is about,” “this paragraph is about,” “for example,” or “in conclusion”

Starting a sentence with “well,” “but,” “and,” “cause,” “which,” “in which,” “yes,” “no,” or

“or”

Repeating a sentence or phrase word-for-word

Using a quote without citing the source

Starting a sentence with a quote

Using slang or curse words (“Germany sucked and their government was b.s.”)

Writing sentence fragments (“Although it was a good war”)

Writing run-on sentences (“Roosevelt was a good president he defended the nation”)

Vague examples (“There was this battle during the war where a lot of people died”)

Not writing a title

Using the words “essay,” “test” or “Polish” in your title