The author effectively introduces the subject. The thesis should clearly state the author's basic point. The thesis should be supported throughout the essay. Topic sentences refer back to the thesis idea. Paragraphs are too brief, with little supporting evidence.
Paragraphs become grab-bags, with too many ideas jumbled together.
A lack of concrete evidence. No concrete evidence supports ideas. Vague or misleading topic sentences. The writing is generally clear, with few major grammatical errors. The prose is lively and interesting, with varied sentence structure, strong transitions, and interesting vocabulary.