Analysis Essay Rubric
Exemplary
Word Count: Meets word count requirement
Mechanics: Excellent sentence structure and grammar. No spelling errors, correct punctuation,
proper citation. Uses correct MLA format
Thesis/Purpose: Thesis is easy to identify and is woven throughout the paper. Conclusion returns
full circle to thesis and the significance of the thesis is made clear
Organization: Well organized. Clear topic sentences and focused paragraphs. Interesting title.
Effective transitions; ideas flow seamlessly. Tight prose.
Analysis/Use of Evidence: Main points supported. Quoted material integrated, properly framed.
Demonstrates clear understanding of information. Insightfully analyzes ideas.
Contextualization/Voice/Tone: Contextualizes subject well. Author’s voice comes through clearly.
Formal tone.
Commendable
Word Count: Meets word count requirement
Mechanics: Good sentence structure and grammar. Minor spelling, punctuation, or citation errors.
MLA format is mostly correct
Thesis/Purpose: Thesis shows potential but is unclear or needs specificity. Conclusion returns to
thesis. Significance of thesis mostly clear or could be developed further
Organization: Mostly well organized. Paragraphs focused for the most part. Has a good title. Makes
good use of transitions. Mostly tight prose.
Analysis/Use of Evidence: Most main points supported. Quoted material integrated into
sentences, not always framed. Displays understanding of material and analyzes ideas.
Contextualization/Voice/Tone: Contextualizes subject. Author’s voice is heard. Mostly formal
tone.
Adequate
Word Count: Does not meet word count requirement
Mechanics: Some problems in sentence structure and grammar. Errors in punctuation, spelling,
and citation. MLA format is not correct.
Thesis/Purpose: Thesis is unclear or too general. Thesis is not an arguable point. Conclusion
touches on thesis idea. Significance of thesis is lacking.
Organization: Somewhat organized. Paragraphs not always focused. Includes a title. Uses some
transitions well. Prose need tightening.
Analysis/Use of Evidence: Main points supported to some degree. Quotes integrated but not
effectively framed. Displays general understanding of material. Some analysis.
Contextualization/Voice/Tone: Some contextualization. Author’s voice overshadowed by quoted
material. Some informal language.
Needs Work
Word Count: Does not meet word count requirement
Mechanics: Key problems that interfere with understanding in sentence structure and grammar,
punctuation, spelling, and citation. Does not use MLA format.
Thesis/Purpose: Thesis is difficult to identify. Conclusion does not return to thesis idea.
Significance of thesis in not developed.
Organization: Key problems with organization. Unfocused paragraphs. No title. Lacking in
transitional words and phrases. Prose need tightening.
Analysis/Use of Evidence: Support for ideas is weak. Quotes not integrated/framed well. No
quotes used. Demonstrates little understanding of material. Does not respond to ideas in a critical,
analytical way.
Contextualization/Voice/Tone: Needs contextualization. Voice not clearly distinguishable.
Informal tone.
Grading Schema:
Mechanics—12%
Thesis—22%
Organization—22%
Analysis/Use of Evidence—22%
Contextualization/Voice/Tone—22%
Not meeting Word Count Requirement is a separate deduction that can range from 5-15 points off
your final paper grade.