<p> Name ______</p><p>This I Believe Personal Essay Evaluation Category Points Studen Teache Possibl t Score r Score e Ideas - the central message with enriching details  The main idea or personal belief is clear and serves to focus the rest of the essay.  Your personal belief is supported by telling, clear, 20 accurate and descriptive details.  Your details are engaging and go beyond the obvious and predictable. Organization – the internal structure or “skeleton” of the essay  You place your ideas in a sequence that is logical and effective.  You include thoughtful transitions between ideas, 15 so the essay flows smoothly.  You engage the reader with an inviting introduction.  You leave the reader with a sense of closure and resolution with your conclusion. Voice – the tone of the essay, appropriate for the audience and the purpose  You use engaging language and details to show personal connection to the topic.  You write from knowledge and/or personal 15 experience.  You use engaging language and details to connect strongly to the audience.  Your writing reflects and understanding of and commitment to the topic. Word Choice – the use of rich, vivid, precise language that clarifies the topic and engages the reader.  You use words accurately.  Your choice of words is natural and effective. 15  You use vivid, active verbs.  You include descriptive adjectives and adverbs when appropriate.  Repetition is avoided or used for deliberate effect. Sentence Fluency – the rhythm and flow of the writing.  Your sentences flow gracefully from one to the next.  You vary your sentences in terms of length. 15  You vary your sentences in terms of structure.  You vary your sentences in terms of beginnings.  You use active, vivid verbs to achieve “active voice”. Conventions -- the mechanical correctness of the writing  Your spelling is correct.  You use proper punctuation.  You use proper capitalization. 10  Your grammar and usage are correct.</p>