Six-Point Scoring Rubric – Literary Analysis Paper

100 total possible points

1

Experimenting

2

Emerging

3

Developing

4

Effective

5

Strong

6

Exceptional

Ideas

The meaning and development of the message (x5)

30

·     Searching for a topic

·     Limited information

·     Vague details

·     Random thoughts

·     Hints at topic

·     Reader left with many unanswered questions

·     Sporadic details

·     Glimmer of main point

·     General topic defined

·     Reasonably clear ideas

·     Details present but not precise

·     Shows some specifics

·     Topic fairly narrowed

·     New ways of thinking about topic attempted

·     Credible details with some support

·     Writer understands topic

·     Narrow and manageable topic

·     Clear, focused, and answers readers’ questions

·     Relevant, accurate details enrich theme

·     Shows insight into topic

·     Unique treatment of topic

·     In-depth understanding of topic

·     Unusual details go beyond the obvious

·     Makes connections; shares insights effectively

Organization

The internal structure of the piece (x3)

18

·     No lead or conclusion

·     Sequencing not present

·     No awareness of pacing

·     Hard to follow

·     Ineffective lead and conclusion

·     Some sequencing apparent

·     Pacing awkward

·     Some attempt at structure

·     Routine lead and conclusion

·     More logical sequencing

·     Pacing generally under control

·     Common structures detract from content

·     Effective lead and conclusion

·     Sequencing works well

·     Well-controlled pacing

·     Common structures have smooth flow

·     Inviting introduction and satisfying conclusion

·     Effective sequencing

·     Pacing is creative

·     Structure begins to reveal theme

·     Introduction and conclusion are unique but connected

·     Masterful sequencing

·     Artful pacing used for stylistic effect

·     Structure showcases central ideas or theme

Voice     

The way the writer brings the topic to life (x3)

18

·     No concern for audience

·     Lifeless and mechanical

·     Flat or inappropriate

·     Purpose not present

·     Occasionally aware of audience

·     General statements require reader interpretation

·     Tries to engage

·     Hints at purpose

·     Writer begins to connect with the reader

·     Pleasing, yet “safe”

·     Writer/reader connection fades in and out

·     Purpose inconsistent

·     Writer occasionally intrigues the reader

·     Pleasing; takes risks

·     Engages reader most of the time

·     Purpose consistent

·     Interesting and informative

·     Takes effective risks

·     Reflects interest and commitment in topic

·     Purpose shows clarity and understanding

·     Compelling and engaging

·     Writer goes out on a limb

·     Displays ownership of the topic

·     Powerful purpose shows commitment

Word Choice

The specific vocabulary the writer uses to convey meaning (x2)

12

·     Vocabulary is limited

·     Simple words used incorrectly

·     No figurative language

·     Words do not convey meaning

·     Generally correct words; no spice

·     Language is functional

·     Attempts at interesting words

·     Words convey general meaning

·     Some active verbs and precise nouns

·     A moment or two of sparkle

·     Experiments with figurative language

·     Words begin to enhance meaning

·     Effective and creative verbs and nouns

·     Wording mostly correct

·     Accurate use of figurative language

·     Word and phrases work well

·     Precision with words and phrases

·     Wording works effectively

·     Figurative language is effective

·     Words and phrases create picture

·     Powerful, engaging, and “just-right” words

·     Wording is accurate and precise

·     Artful use of figurative language

·     Words and phrases create lingering images

Sentence Fluency

The way the words and phrases flow throughout the text  (x2)

12

·     Choppy, rambling, or incomplete

·     No “sentence sense”

·     Oral reading is not possible

·     Repetitive beginnings

·     Some simple sentences

·     Occasional connecting word use

·     Oral reading difficult

·     Attempts variation in sentence beginnings

·     Attempts compound and complex sentences

·     Sentences usually connect

·     Parts invite oral reading

·     Sentences begin in different ways

·     Begins to have easy flow and rhythm

·     Strong and varied structure

·     Oral reading encourages expression in places

·     Sentences well crafted

·     Rhythm and flow feel natural

·     Creative use of sentence length and structure

·     Invites expressive reading

·     Sentences relate and build upon one another

·     Carefully honed cadences

·     Exquisitely constructed sentences

·     Reading aloud is a breeze

·     Sentences enhance meaning

Conventions

The mechanical

correctness of the piece (x2)

10

·     Spelling errors impede readability

·     Incorrect punctuation and capitalization

·     Many usage and grammar errors

·     Lack of paragraphing

·     Spelling errors on easy words

·     Errors on basic punctuation and capitalization

·     Some usage and grammar errors

·     Occasional use of paragraphing

·     Spelling generally correct on basic words

·     Routine punctuation and capitalization

·     Grammar errors infrequent

·     Consistent paragraphing

·     Few spelling errors even on more difficult words

·     Consistent use of punctuation and capitalization

·     Grammar and usage correct

·     Correct use of paragraphing

·     Spelling correct even on more difficult words

·     Accurate and creative use of punctuation and capitalization

·     Standard grammar and usage are under control

·     Sound and creative paragraphing