thesis: - responds to prompt clearly, defensible, evidence: 3 or 4 pts: - 3+ sources - relevant evidence - keep it short commentary: - well organized line of reasoning - all of the reasons you are using to support your claim sophistication: - nuanced thesis that is supported throughout the argument - viewing in a broader context - successful rhetorical choices - mature and consistent writing style garden of english notes: topic sentences and thesis - surefire planning topic sentences: ⭐️transitional language - highlight the importance and relation ⭐️general reference to examples that will be clarified in the rest of the paragraph ⭐️connects back to overall argument only use quotes in topic sentences if including a concession