Each essay should be rated from 1 to 4 in the following six categories:

• Ability to follow directions, use of proper grammar and spelling
• Originality
• Clear position
• Supports position by using core democratic values
• Supports position with knowledge of history, geography, civics or economics
• Uses researched information to compare/contrast or support position

The Criteria for Scoring Essays (the criteria for scoring is similar to the MEAP criteria for scoring) outlines what is required to award a score of 1 to 4 in each of the six categories. The maximum score each essay can receive in a category is 4. Total the scores for all the categories. The maximum total score any essay can receive is 24.

Click on this link for a blank scoring sheet for the teacher to use in tabulating student essays.