Writing About Literature Assessment Rubric | ||||
Exemplary | Accomplished | Developing | Limited | |
Critical Thinking | Essay shows evidence of strong skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Logic is virtually flawless. | Essay shows evidence of application of skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Logic is nearly flawless. | Essay shows inconsistent application of skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Logic may be flawed. | Essay shows inconsistent application of skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Logic may be flawed. |
Application of Critical Technique & Perspective | Essay reflects mastery of the literary perspective applied. The writer is fluent in the language and theory behind the perspective. Analysis and conclusions drawn are virtually incontrovertible. | Essay reflects a solid understanding of the literary perspective applied. The writer is using much of the language and theory behind the perspective. Analysis and conclusions drawn are strong with minor "errors." | Essay reflects a some understanding of the literary perspective applied. The writer struggles to use the language and theory behind the perspective. Analysis and conclusions drawn are somewhat questionable with a few obvious "errors." | Essay reflects little understanding of the literary perspective applied. The writer barely uses the language and theory behind the perspective. Analysis and conclusions drawn are questionable with obvious "errors." |
Essay Focus |
Essay remains focused on a clear thesis with every support powerfully connected to the thesis. |
Essay remains focused on a clear thesis with every support clearly connected to the thesis. |
Essay remains focused on a thesis with most supports adequately connected to the thesis. |
Essay may lose focus on or lack a clear thesis; some supports are not connected to the thesis. |
Quality of Support | Powerfully chosen textual proof supports each point. The textual proof is thoroughly examined, explained, and clearly relevant to the thesis. | Well chosen textual proof supports each point. The textual proof is adequately examined, explained, and relevant to the thesis. | Acceptably chosen textual proof supports most points. The textual proof may be inconsistently examined, explained, and relevant to the thesis. | Questionably chosen textual proof supports a few points. The textual proof is likely insufficiently examined, explained, or relevant to the thesis. |
Essay Organization & Transitions |
Essay is strikingly organized with a keen sensitivity to building an argument. Transitions are sophisticated and varied. |
Essay is well organized with a logical approach to building an argument. Transitions are solid and varied. |
Essay is competently organized with a logical if uninspired approach to building an argument. Transitions are ordinary but sufficient. |
Essay is inconsistently organized with a haphazard approach to building an argument. Transitions are choppy or lacking. |
Internal Paragraph Coherence | Paragraphs flow well internally with each sentence building and flowing into the next. | Paragraphs flow well internally with each sentence building into the next. | Paragraphs are choppy internally with sometimes confusing jumps between ideas. | Paragraphs are choppy internally with confusing jumps and between ideas. |
Mechanics and Style | Essay is flawlessly written with a flair for academic style. Excellent word choice and sentence variety. | Essay is well written with a solid academic style. Some strong word choice and sentence variety. | Essay is acceptably written with a some academic style. Word choice and sentence variety are ordinary. | Essay is poorly written with a little academic style. Word choice and sentence variety are below expectations. |