Content & Structure:
* Off-topic: Failing to address the prompt or straying too far from the main argument.
* Lack of focus: Having a weak thesis statement or failing to maintain a clear focus throughout the essay.
* Weak evidence: Using unreliable sources, anecdotal evidence, or not providing enough support for your claims.
* Logical fallacies: Making incorrect assumptions or using faulty reasoning to support your argument.
* Unclear organization: Jumping around between ideas, lacking transitions, or not using a logical structure.
* Insufficient development: Not elaborating enough on your points or providing enough details to support your claims.
* No conclusion: Failing to summarize your main points or offer a final thought.
Style & Mechanics:
* Poor grammar and punctuation: Mistakes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation can detract from the overall quality of your writing.
* Weak sentence structure: Using overly simple sentences, run-on sentences, or awkward phrasing.
* Inappropriate tone and voice: Using informal language or a tone that is too casual or too academic for the assignment.
* Lack of clarity: Using jargon or technical terms that are not explained, or writing in a way that is difficult to understand.
* Excessive repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases over and over again.
* Plagiarism: Copying text from other sources without proper attribution.
Additional Factors:
* Lack of engagement: Not showing interest in the topic or failing to present your ideas in a way that is engaging for the reader.
* Lack of originality: Not offering your own insights or analysis, simply restating what is already known.
* Not following instructions: Not adhering to the length, format, or other guidelines specified by the assignment.
Remember, these are just some common pitfalls. The specific things that will count against you will depend on the specific assignment and the expectations of your teacher or professor. Always make sure you understand the prompt and the criteria for success.