Literary Analysis Rubric for Macbeth Essay Outstanding Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Approaching Expectations Unacceptable Introduction / Conclusion _____ * Intro. grabs attention and provides meaningful context to the prompt being answered. *Conclusion effectively restates the analysis, but fresh language and meaningful insight leaves reader wanting more 9 8 *Intro. sparks some interest and effectively introduces reasonable analysis. *conclusion restates arguments, but uses new language and shows understanding of the big picture. 7 6 *Intro. provides context for the argument but is obvious and/or basic * Conclusion restates arguments, but recycles previous statements verbatim. 5 *Introduction or conclusion does not flow with the argument of the paper. *Introduction or conclusion contains blanket or vague statements; needs development to be effective. 4 3 No introduction and/or conclusion. 2 1 0 Thesis _____ Response to prompt is direct, clearly articulated, and persuasive, contains response to all parts of prompt. Thesis presents a reasonable opinion, response is clear and focused but not as precise in answer as 9 or 8. 7 6 Thesis is a plausible argument; contains a legitimate opinion, but is somewhat broad and basic and not as specific to what the prompt is asking entirely 5 Thesis demonstrates misunderstanding of the prompt. 4 3 Thesis is not evident; thesis is a fact or plot summary; thesis is not in correct position in introduction. Topic sentences articulate precise analysis and are logically linked to thesis but not as outstanding as an 8 or 9. 7 6 Topic sentences are present and make an analysis connect to thesis; however, ideas are obvious and basic. 5 Topic sentences are not linked to the thesis. Topic sentences show misunderstanding of prompt or the play. 4 3 Topic sentences not evident or they are facts and summaries. They do not assert an opinion connected to the thesis or prompt. 2 1 0 double space points) no extra spaces original title 9 8 Topic Sentences and Transitions ________ Topic sentences assert what will be developed and supported in the paragraph. They connect to the thesis/prompt. Transitions help connect ideas to each other so the essay is coherent and ideas flow logically from one to the next. 2 1 0 9 8 Format MLA heading points will be deducted 12 pt., Times New Roman for formatting (up to 10 Reminders: Evidence and MLA parenthetical citation.. ______ You have chosen the best evidence to support your point. Evidence is highly convincing and effective in supporting your analysis. Correct MLA citation for plays follows each quote. 9 8 Your evidence is believable and convincing and supports the argument. Citation is correct for the most part but placement of punctuation may be off. 7 6 Evidence is present but superficial, not as thoughtful in choice. Citation is not completely accurate and punctuation may be off. 5 Evidence chosen does not support thesis/topic sentences. Textual evidence is irrelevant and/or not citations. 4 3 Little or no evidence. 2 1 0 Commentary or Explanation _______ Original, developed ideas and insight explaining how the evidence supports the topic sentence and thesis. Interpretation is explained and goes beyond obvious and basic commentary. 9 8 Analysis is believable and convincing, a few assertions may lack specificity, but are astill clearly connected to the argument. 7 6 Analysis or explanation supportss your thesis, but ideas are obvious, general, and basic. 5 Ideas lack development; misunderstanding of prompt or play; illogical explanation 4 3 Analysis or explanation of ideas not present, simply plot summary. Ideas do not address the prompt. 2 1 0 Style, Vocabulary, Sentence Structure ________ Sophisticated vocabulary; sentence variety; quotes do not stand alone and are smoothly incorporated. 9 8 Effectively blends direct quotation with explanatory diction and phrases to introduce the quotation and facilitate narrative flow; still attempting advanced vocabulary. 7 6 Blend quoted material smoothly; but sentence structure lacks variety­­basic and obvious; attempts to vary diction. Some sentence structure errors. 5 Problems with sentence clarity and strutcture; some quotes stand alone without blending in; little use of varied diction or sentence variety. 4 3 Serious problems with coherence and sentence clarity; most sentences need revision; most quotes stand alone and lack introduction/connection to the paper. 2 1 0 Mechanics and Coherence ______ Perfect! (or with 1 or 2 minor errors) 9 8 Effective punctuation, spelling, and grammar. Few errors that do not impede the clarity of the essay. 7 6 Minor problems with coherence, grammar, spelling, punctuation, but overall does not interfere with the understanding of the paper. 5 Several distracting problems with spelling, grammar, punctuation, coherence. 4 3 Major spelling, grammar, punctuation errors; distractive and interferes with understanding of essay. 2 1 0 1=50 2=60 3=65 4=70 5=75 6=85 7=90 8= 95 9=100
Average _____/9=_____