The Grapes of Wrath Intercalary Presentations: Rubrics
AP Language and Composition, Mr. Eble
Presentations / Power Point (In-class 60-point grade): Throughout presentation, the presenter…
Engages classmates in 30-40 minutes of analysis and discussion about the text and
Session Management
related elements
Acts as the leader in his session, directing questions from others towards his
thematic/stylistic considerations
Speaks at an audible volume, doesn’t talk at Power Point screen, engaging classmates in
a dialogue about The Grapes of Wrath
Provides 3-5 open-ended questions that relate to the stylistic / thematic elements of the
Questions / Activity
text, and/or engages classmates in a related, complex, meaningful activity meant to
increase their knowledge and understanding of those aspects of The Grapes of Wrath
Analyzes 2-3 photographs in relation to the text throughout the session
Power Point Presentation
Includes a Power Point with a balance between text and images
Includes a Works Cited page with correct entries for each source
Dialectical Journal: In three journals (30 point writing grade each), with at least one quote taken from writer’s intercalary
chapter, the writer…
Demonstrates not just “what,” but “how” schemes, tropes function in the text in relation
Close Reading / Analysis
to plot and theme.
Correctly denotes, analyzes Steinbeck’s mode of development
Connects each quote to the rest of the text, noting salient thematic parallels between the
Connection to Rest of Text /
intercalary chapters and the rest of the text.
Sociohistorical Elements
Does the same with social, historical, scientific, literary, economic elements outside of
the text.
Seminar reflections (30 points each): The participant writes one seminar reflection per week on the wiki in the same
fashion as usual seminars, but also…
 Focuses on one particular theme / element of presentations from that week
 Utilizes examples from The Grapes of Wrath
 Maintains focus throughout presentations, paying attention to and engaging in discussion throughout seminars
 Doesn’t distract the speaker or classmates
 Doesn’t do work unrelated to the presentation
Remember that for the week that you present, you don’t have to complete a seminar reflection.
Research Paper (150 point writing grade): In the paper, the writer…
Commentary on Text and
Stylistic / Thematic Elements
(25 points)
Use of Text (20 points)
Research Conventions
(25 points)
Introduction / Conclusion
(20 points)
Paragraph Structure
Demonstrates in a novel, complex way how Steinbeck’s style works to present an
argument dealing with the Joads and the Great Depression / Dust Bowl, as well as any
other larger thematic implications.
Includes a thesis statement and support that are salient; analysis “holds water” and helps
add to a greater discussion of the novel.
Utilizes meaningful quotes from the text to demonstrate stylistic / thematic elements
Thoroughly attributes quotes from the text
Demonstrates understanding of the stylistic and thematic subtleties of the text
Attributes quotes / information from relevant, current, reliable sources
Utilizes direct quotes, paraphrasing, and/or summary from research
Includes at least one photograph in his analysis
Includes at least 2-3 outside sources to diversify his discussion of the stylistic / thematic
elements
Maintains MLA style throughout his paper in terms of formatting and citing
Opens the paper with a relative, gripping hook and background information leading into
his thesis statement
Closes the paper with a brief recapitulation of ideas and a connection to larger issues
and implications of the thematic/stylistic elements of the topic
Crafts paragraphs that stay on topic and develop ideas in a logical progression.
Utilizes transitions between paragraphs and ideas to help guide the reader throughout his
ideas
(15 points)
Voice / Tone
(10 points)
SMUGSS & Details
(15 points)
Maintains an academic, balanced tone throughout his writing
Writes in literary present tense where appropriate
Writes without many flaws in grammar / mechanics
Double-spaces his work, provides a clear, telling title, correct heading as per MLA
guidelines
Remember that Mr. Eble will read your work and provide review comments and suggestions for your next draft.
How did you adjust your writing as a result of your presentation?
Post Writing Analysis
What problems did you encounter during the process of creating the essay?
List two of the most important changes you made. Why did you make them?
(20 points)
What part of your essay are you the most proud of? Why?