Cause-Effect
Name Date
4 3 2 1
Organization The introduction contains a The introduction The introduction The introduction lacks
clearly stated topic contains a topic contains a topic a topic sentence (in a
sentence (in a paragraph) or sentence (in a sentence (in a paragraph) or thesis
clearly stated thesis paragraph) or the- sis paragraph) or the- sis sentence (in an essay),
sentence (in an essay); the sentence (in an essay); sentence (in an essay), or the sentence is mis-
body fully and competently the body examines the but the sentence may leading or unclear; the
examines the topic by topic by breaking it be unclear, imprecise, body does not explain
breaking it down into down into causes and or inadequate; the body causes and effects; the
causes and effects; the effects; the conclusion explains at least one conclusion is missing,
conclusion effectively ends brings the writing to a cause and effect; a contradictory, or
the writing, with- out close; there is a conclusion is present repetitive; the writing
repetition, and contains a generally logical but may be weak or lacks unity and
clincher statement; unity progression of ideas repetitive; more logical coherence.
and coherence is achieved and information. development is needed
throughout. throughout.
Elements of The overall purpose is Overall purpose is The purpose is not al- The purpose is not
Cause-Effect clear; causes and effects are generally clear; most ways obvious; causes clear; causes and
Writing logical; cause-effect causes and effects are and effects are not effects are illogical or
transition words and logical; there is some use entirely clear or logical; missing; the writing
phrases are used of specific cause-effect there is little or no use lacks cause- effect
effectively; the writing is transition words; the of cause-effect transition words and
tailored to the audience. writing shows fairly transition words; phrases; the writing is
Word choice is consistently consistent awareness of greater attention not tailored for the
careful and often the audience. Most word should be given to the intended audience.
particularly precise, choices are precise. intended audience. Word choice is
powerful, or apt. Several word choices consistently confusing
are redundant, vague, or unclear.
or imprecise.
Grammar, Usage, There are few or no There are some errors There are several Expression is blocked
Mechanics, and errors in mechanics, in mechanics, usage, errors in mechanics, by numerous errors in
Spelling usage, grammar, or grammar, or spelling. usage, grammar, or mechanics, usage,
spelling. spelling. grammar, or spelling.
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