Scale

Levels of Proficiency

Name

5       Strong

4       Proficient

3       Developing

2       Emerging

1       Not Yet

q       Proficient

Score 4’s or higher on all traits in a high school level essay

q       Proficient with Honors

Assignment Title

Score 4.5’s or higher on all traits in a high school honors-level essay

Date

Teachers: Indicate the correct score by circling the correct number or checking the correct column for a half-point increment.

Teacher

E. McMurray-Hauk

SELF SCORE each box AND comment at the bottom - turn in with your paper!
Rubric for the Evaluation of a Literary Analysis Essay

Ideas and Content

Organization

5

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1

Thesis:

·          ARGUMENT-DRIVEN PAPERS:  Thesis argues a sophisticated and specific position

·          EXPOSITORY PAPERS:  Thesis states a sophisticated and specific main idea

·          Subject is complex enough to allow for meaningful analysis

·          Thesis fully addresses the prompt and controls the content of the paper

Evidence:

·          Ample amounts of relevant, accurate evidence support each argument/main point and the thesis overall

·          Well-chosen/Significant background information provides a context for understanding the issue

Analysis:

·          Commentary shows deep insight into the literary work(s)

·          Focus remains on thesis; paper does not drift into tangents

·          Paper has an effective introduction, body, and conclusion

·          Thesis provides direction for the paper

·          Sequence and structure of ideas and information are clear, focused, and logical

·          Topic sentences control the content of paragraphs; internal structure of each paragraph is logical

·          Effective transitions tie ideas together

Style

Conventions/Presentation

5

4

3

2

1

5

4

3

2

1

·          Tone, voice, and point of view are always appropriate to the purpose and audience

·          Active verbs and precise nouns add clarity

·          Subject-specific, striking words enhance meaning

·          Sentences vary in length and structure with no awkward constructions

·          Creative and appropriate transition words and phrases improve rhythm 

·          Quotations/evidence are seamlessly integrated into the text

·          Spelling, punctuation and capitalization are correct

·          Grammar and usage are correct

·          Presentation is appropriate to the task

o         Appropriate fonts and font sizes are used

o         Citations and bibliography are done correctly in APA or MLA style

o         Spacing, indentations, and margins are correct

o         Titles, headings, and page numbers are used correctly

SELF EVALUATION: In the space below tell me what you like about your paper, and what you think you might need help with.