The 8-9 essay:

              Contains a well-developed thesis that evaluates the extent to which colonists developed a sense of their identity and unity as
              Americans by the eve of the Revolution.
              Presents an effective analysis of the development of an American sense of identity and unity 1750-1776; may weave the two
              together ó may be imbalanced between the two issues.
              Effectively uses a substantial number of documents.
              Supports thesis with substantial and relevant outside information.
              Is well-organized and has clear expression of ideas.
              May contain minor errors.

       The 5-7 essay:

              Contains a thesis that addresses whether the colonists developed a sense of identity and unity as Americans by the eve of the
              Revolution.
              Has limited analysis, is mostly descriptive; may have serious imbalance between the two issues.
              Uses some documents effectively.
              Supports thesis with some outside information.
              Shows evidence of acceptable organization and writing; language errors do not interfere with comprehension of the essay.
              May contain errors that do not seriously detract from the quality of the essay.

       The 2-4 essay:

              Contains a limited, confused, and/or poorly developed thesis.
              Deals with both identity and unity in a general manner or only discusses one issue; simplistic explanation.
              Quotes or briefly cites some documents.
              Contains little outside information or information that is generally inaccurate or irrelevant.
              Lack of organization and language errors interfere with comprehension of the essay.
              May contain major errors.

       The 0-1 essay:

              Contains no thesis or a thesis which does not address the question.
              Exhibits inadequate or inaccurate understanding of the question.
              Contains little or no understanding of the documents or ignores them completely.
              Is so poorly organized or written that it inhibits understanding.
              Contains numerous errors, both major and minor.

       The " ó " essay:

              Is completely off topic or blank.