Rubric for Essay: Describe the process of protein synthesis. This can be told in a story-like fashion, or fantasy, etc., however, the events must be described, if only in a metaphorical way. Write the essay as something you would want to read yourself. Make sure all relevant details are included. You need not refer to each event by name; but the events should be recognizable as those that would actually happen. The essay must be a minimum of two pages, and if done thoroughly, and in detail, it may well be longer. If ideas can be expressed concisely and accurately in two pages, then there will be no issue with the length.

External Assessment Criteria: Essay 0 Marks 1 Marks 2 Marks 3 Marks 4 Marks 5 Marks
Criterion A: Knowledge and understanding • How much knowledge and understanding has the student shown in relation to the question answered?
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below
There is some knowledge but virtually no understanding of the relation to the question answered.
There is mostly adequate knowledge and some superficial understanding in relation to the question answered.
There is adequate knowledge and understanding in relation to the question answered..
There is good knowledge and understanding in relation to the question answered.
There is perceptive knowledge and understanding in relation to the question answered.
0 Marks 1 Marks 2 Marks 3 Marks 4 Marks 5 Marks

Criterion B: Response to the question • How well has the student understood the specific demands of the question? • To what extent has the student responded to these demands? • How well have the works been compared and contrasted in relation to the demands of the question?
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below
The student shows little awareness of the main implications of the question, and ideas are mainly irrelevant and/or insignificant.
There is little meaningful comparison of the works used in relation to the question.
The student responds to some of the main implications of the question with some relevant ideas.
There is a superficial attempt to compare the works used in relation to the question.
The student responds to most of the main implications of the question with consistently relevant ideas.
There is adequate comparison of the works used in relation to the question.
The student responds to the main implications and some subtleties of the question, with relevant and carefully explored ideas.
The student responds to all the implications, as well as the subtleties of the question, with convincing and thoughtful ideas.
The comparison includes an effective evaluation of the works in relation to the question.
0 Marks 1 Marks 2 Marks 3 Marks 4 Marks 5 Marks

Criterion C: Personal interest – Does the writer convey a sense of interest and imagination? Does the essay grab the interest of the reader? Does the essay provide context for the events discussed? Does the essay leave the reader wanting to know more?

The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
The student shows little awareness of the reader, and ideas are mainly uninteresting and/or insignificant.
The student shows some interest in the reader
The student makes an effort to interest the reader
The student writes an effective essay that leaves the reader wanting to read more.
0 Marks 1 Marks 2 Marks 3 Marks 4 Marks 5 Marks

Criterion D: Organization and development • How well organized, coherent and developed is the presentation of ideas?
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
Ideas have little organization; there may be a superficial structure, but coherence and/or development are lacking.
Ideas have some organization, with a recognizable structure, but coherence and development are often lacking.
Ideas are adequately organized, with a suitable structure and attention paid to coherence and development.
Ideas are effectively organized, with a very good structure, coherence and development. Ideas are persuasively organized, with excellent structure, coherence and development.
0 Marks 1 Marks 2 Marks 3 Marks 4 Marks 5 Marks

Criterion E: Language • How clear, varied and accurate is the language? • How appropriate is the choice of register, style and terminology? (“Register” refers, in this context, to the student’s use of elements such as vocabulary, tone, sentence structure and terminology appropriate to the task.)
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below
Language is rarely clear and appropriate; there are many errors in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction, and little sense of register and style.
Language is sometimes clear and carefully chosen; grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction are fairly accurate, although errors and inconsistencies are apparent; the register and style are to some extent appropriate to the task.
Language is clear and carefully chosen, with an adequate degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction despite some lapses; register and style are mostly appropriate to the task.
Language is clear and carefully chosen, with a good degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction; register and style are consistently appropriate to the task.
Language is very clear, effective, carefully chosen and precise, with a high degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction; register and style are effective and appropriate to the task.

Category: Essays