Criterion Exceptional Mastery
Author, Genre, Title Correctly identifies and
includes the following: the
author’s name, title
punctuated correctly, and
genre
Rhetorically accurate verb Text has a strong claim
and author’s primary claim that demonstrates insight
and understanding of the
author’s position. Includes
a rhetorically accurate
verb.
Purpose Purpose tightly connects
to the claim.
Audience Accurately identifies the
tone, clearly explains who
the target audience is, and
why this audience would
be receptive to the
message.
Textual Support and Précis Specifically addresses
Requirements/MLA primary evidence in the
Formatting text using accurate
language; adheres to the
Précis Requirements/MLA
Formatting, including
spacing, heading, header,
sentence number, and
word count.
Adequate Mastery
Includes almost all of the
important details of the
author, genre, and title
punctuated correctly
The rhetorically accurate
verb may be somewhat
generic, and the author’s
claim is accurate.
Purpose is generic or
mimics the claim.
Accurately identifies the
tone, clearly explains who
the target audience is yet
overlooks why the
audience would be
receptive to the message.
Addresses relevant
evidence in the text and
uses correct language, but
may overlook a primary
piece of evidence. Includes
minor errors regarding
Précis Requirements/MLA
Formatting, including
spacing, heading, header,
sentence number, and
word count.
Approaching Mastery Inadequate Mastery
Omits some important Omits the majority or all of the author’s
aspects of the author’s name, genre, and title
name, genre, and title
The author’s claim is only Misreads or incorrectly states author’s claim.
partially stated or is Inaccurate or weak verb usage.
oversimplified. Weak,
vague, or generic verb
usage.
Purpose does not connect Purpose is entirely inaccurate.
to the claim.
Is general in identifying the Misidentifies the audience and/or tone or
audience. The tone is does not include the audience at all.
vague or unclear.
Only includes some Fails to address important evidence. Includes
primary evidence or is multiple errors regarding Précis
vague in identifying Requirements/MLA Formatting, including
evidence. Language is spacing, heading, header, sentence number,
inaccurate. Includes and word count.
multiple errors regarding
Précis Requirements/MLA
Formatting, including
spacing, heading, header,
sentence number, and
word count.