ORGANIZATION MEETS STANDARDS
An inviting introduction with STRONG THESIS
Good topic sentence relating to the thesis
Satisfying conclusion with a sense of closure
Thoughtful transitions clearly show how ideas connect.
Details are in a logical sequence.
Your title is original and effectively captures the paper’s theme.
Effective paragraph breaks strengthen the thesis.
"DEVELOPING" ORGANIZATION
The paper has a recognizable introduction and conclusion. The introduction may not create a strong sense of anticipation; the conclusion may not tie-up all loose ends.
Transitions sometimes work; at other times, connections between ideas are unclear.
Sequencing shows some logic, but not under control enough that it consistently supports the development of ideas. The structure may be predictable and taking attention away from the content.
Pacing is fairly well controlled, though the writer sometimes lunges ahead too quickly or spends too much time on details that do not matter.
A title (if desired) is present, although it may be uninspired or an obvious restatement of the prompt or topic.
The organization sometimes supports the main point or story line, with an attempt at paragraphing.
"NOVICE" ORGANIZATION
There is no real lead to set-up what follows, no real conclusion to wrap things up.
Connections between ideas are confusing or absent.
Sequencing is random and needs lots of work.
Pacing feels awkward; the writer slows to a crawl when the reader wants to move on, and vice versa.
No title is present (if requested) or, if present, does not reflect the content.
Problems with organization make it hard for the reader to understand the main point or story line, with little or no attempt at paragraph breaks.
