Criterion	Excep-tional
(8-9)	Very Good
(6-7)	Average
(4-5)	Needs Work
(2-3)	Seriously Flawed
(0-1)	Notes	
1. Does the essay contain a thesis that answers the question as it is asked?  Does it answer all parts of the question?							
2. Do the subtopic sentences answer the question?  Do they answer “how?” “why?” “in what ways?” or “to what extent?” (Analysis)							
3. Does the essay demonstrate an understanding of the complexity (“gray area”) of the topic?  Does it include a concession, if necessary?							
4. Does the essay include a substantial amount of factual information to support the thesis?							
5. Does it relate the evidence back to the thesis, showing how or why the evidence proves the thesis?							
6.  Does the essay analyze the question (as opposed to simply describing events)?							
DBQ	7. Are all of the documents (or all but one) used?							
	8. Are all documents interpreted correctly and properly incorporated into the essay?							
	Documents	A	
B	
C	
D	
E	
F	
G	
H	
I	
J	

	9. Does the essay maintain a 50-50 balance between documents and outside information?							
10. Is the essay clearly written, well-organized, and free of spelling, punctuation, and general grammar errors?							
11. Is the essay free of major and minor historical errors?							
Comments		Grade