| Element | Outstanding | Not Adequate | |
| Purpose
1 point |
–has a compelling title that helps to signal the central insight/argument of the analysis
– makes a clear and compelling statement –establishes a goal for the analysis early on and meets the expectations it sets for readers |
-does not make a coherent main point, and/or fails to show that the point is useful or interesting
-has no title or a title with no relevant substance (e.g., “Analysis Assignment” or simply the title of the story you are writing about)
|
|
| Reasoning (Evidence AND Analysis)
5 points |
–uses relevant evidence (quotes) from the story
–makes good use of all evidence /quotes included, by showing readers what you think is most important and how the evidence/quote relates to the overall argument you are making
–avoids excessive summary, emphasizing analysis instead; when summary is used, you are summarizing according to what’s most important and signaling your own position |
–does not use any evidence, either in paraphrase or quote form, from the project, OR,
–has some or lots of quotes but lacks explanation about why/how these quotes are relevant
–reads like a description only; is largely a summary of the project and how it works and contains little or no textual analysis |
|
| Order
1 point
|
–unfolds in a logical and convincing way
–all pieces of the argument are connected back to the essay’s main insight |
–essay lacks organization; it is hard to follow the argument
–has some or even lots of insights but they are not connected to one another or to a central point |
|
| Voice/Style
1point
|
-written with an intelligent, interested audience in mind, with collegial tone and clear writing | Either overly casual or overly academic/formal …overblown and wordy. | |
| Ethos
1 point
|
–conveys that a credible, reliable author stands behind this essay (this is affected by typos, spelling, punctuation and grammar etc.)–follows the required format: MLA in-text citation | –is full of technical errors, does not include a citation of sources or does not cite them correctly or consistently–does not follow the required format |
bonus point: extra point given for something really excellent that is not covered in the rubric above. In particular, this point might be for a really interesting insight or original thought.
total: 10 points