Final answer:
Essays are graded on thesis, evidence, argument, organization, and mechanics based on a detailed rubric. An outstanding essay features a clear thesis, strong evidence, coherent organization, and excellent mechanics. To improve, focus on clarifying the thesis, improving paragraph development, and ensuring the organization supports the argument.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the provided grading rubrics, an essay should be graded in terms of thesis, evidence, argument, organization, and mechanics as follows:
- Outstanding (5): The writer's position or claim on a debatable issue is stated clearly in the thesis and expertly supported with credible researched evidence. Ideas are well-developed with clear topic sentences, appropriate headings and subheadings, and transitions that link ideas seamlessly.
- Advanced (4): The thesis clearly states the writer's position and is generally supported with some credible evidence. The organization is fairly well executed with some headings and subheadings, and the paragraphs relate directly to the thesis. However, the essay could benefit from more transitions for better coherence.
- Proficient (3): The essay meets the basic criteria where the thesis is stated and supported with evidence, but there may be some underdeveloped arguments and less clarity in organization.
- Developing (2): The essay shows effort in stating the thesis and providing evidence, but the arguments are not detailed enough, and the organization could be significantly improved.
To improve your draft based on the rubric, consider making your thesis even more apparent, ensuring that each paragraph's topic sentence directly relates to your thesis, and reviewing the organization to see if reordering information would provide more clarity and coherence. This careful revision can lift the quality of your essay to score higher on the rubric.