The title

The lead

Logic

Tone

Phraseology

Perceptive

A snappy, catchy, gripping title

A strong, deliberate lead that spells out the topic and brings the reader into the problem.

Effectively anticipates the reader’s questions (You may ask that; If you were to say)

Conversational tone in the first person with a touch of humor or sarcasm where applicable.

Transitional words or phrases - but, now, of course, It is true, For obvious reasons, Although, In other words, Perhaps, Consider, When, Sometimes, Somehow, Not only, As While, Obviously, Fact:

Average

A descriptive title but not unique, snappy, catchy, or gripping

The lead introduces what is to follow.

Gives some indication of anticipating the reader’s responses

Mechanical tone but informative with a touch of humor or sarcasm where applicable.

Occasional transitional phrases

Novice

An unimaginative category title

The lead lacks purpose for the essay.

No indication of anticipating the reader’s responses

Lack of tone. No humor, even where applicable.

No use of transitional phrases.