1. If you can make each of the following statements about your essay, then you will have earned an A. Each criteria is worth 25% of the overall grade.
2. Criteria 1: Thesis Statement
   1. My thesis statement is arguable.
   2. My thesis statement is specific.
   3. My thesis statement includes a blueprint of my evidence.
   4. My thesis statement is original/creative.
3. Criteria 2: Strength of Evidence
   1. The evidence I provide is clearly connected to my thesis.
   2. The evidence I use is given adequate context.
   3. The evidence I use is varied.
4. Criteria 3: Quality of Analysis
   1. I give an analysis of each piece of evidence I provide in support of my thesis.
   2. The analysis I provide clearly relates the evidence to my thesis.
   3. The analysis I provide is thoughtful and reveals a close reading of the text.
5. Criteria 4: Grammar & Format
   1. My essay is in the proper MLA format.
   2. If I use additional research, that information is properly cited in MLA format.
   3. My paper is grammatically correct. There are little to no mistakes.
   4. I use rich and varied word choice and sentence structure.
   5. My essay is well organized and easy to follow.