2011 Seaman Garson Essay Scholarship Contest
Scoring Rubric
Entry Requirements:
- Reflect upon personal impact/response
- Put forth a plan of action to affect change in one's self, school and/or community
An Above Average Essay:
- Understands and reflects upon the theme of personal responsibility
- Identifies action steps that can be implemented
- Incorporates drama, empathy, sincerity and emotion
- Exhibits dramatic potential as an oral presentation
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AVERAGE |
ABOVE AVERAGE | |
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CONTENT: Originality and creativity in describing impact of discrimination |
Essay shows evidence of originality, imagination and creativity |
Essay shows significant evidence of originality, imagination and creativity |
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CLARITY: |
Essay defines the theme of personal responsibility, even if development somewhat vague Includes details Writing may wander from central theme |
Clear understanding and embellishment on theme of personal responsibility Specific details clearly enrich the central theme Writing is clear and focused; holds reader's attention |
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CAPACITY: Defined action steps and potential to realize action plan |
Plan is personal, doesn't involve the action of others Shows promise, but not immediately ready for implementation Action steps lack specific clarity/focus |
Plan involves personal action and encourages the actions of others Action steps clearly defined and capable of near-immediate implementation. |
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CONVICTION: Sincerity, believability, emotional impact, drama |
Essay exhibits sincerity and conviction and engages the reader/listener Story is believable Language exhibits some elements of storytelling and potential to engage the audience as an oral presentation |
Essay exhibits emotional impact of story on the writer and arouses emotion and empathy in the reader/listener Story is told dramatically Language exhibits distinctive musicality/fluidity and excellent potential to engage audience as an oral presentation |
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CRAFTSMANSHIP: Mastery of style |
Reasonable control over limited range of standard writing conventions The message is understandable and the content flows with little confusion |
Writing has clear focus and direction Sentences and composition well constructed; good grasp of standard writing conventions Writing makes a compelling case |
