To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Your grade for this novel will be based on the following criteria:
1. Composition Book: This includes your daily annotations, short writes, thinking maps and other
assignments based on the reading. Your Composition Book will be turned in at the end of the unit.
Composition Book Rubric
4 = A = 95
3 = B = 85
o Work is complete,
neat and organized
o Webs, questions and
annotations show
perceptive analysis
and understanding of
text and topics.
o Work is mostly
complete, neat and
organized
o Webs, questions and
annotations show
evidence of adequate
analysis and
understanding of text
and topics.
2 = C = 75
1 = D = 65
o Work has deficiencies o Work has numerous
in completeness,
assignments missing
neatness and
and/or messy and
organization
unorganized
o Webs, questions and
annotations show
little understanding of
text and topics.
o Webs, questions and
annotations show
very little
understanding of text
and topics
2. Timed Writes: These are writing assignments based on the reading. They will be scored on the
Informative Writing Rubric or Argument Writing Rubric (4-point scale)
3. Discussion (group and class): this is based on quality participation and class preparedness.
Discussion Rubric
The first time your annotations are not
prepared there is no penalty. There is penalty
of one letter grade off each time afterward.

Comes prepared having read and/or researched the material
 refers (cites) insightfully from the text

Works cooperatively with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making
 e.g., informal consensus, taking votes, presenting alternate views, meeting deadlines

Propels the conversations
 by posing questions that relate the discussion to broader themes or ideas
 by actively incorporating others into the discussion
 by clarifying, verifying (piggy-back) or challenging ideas and conclusions

Responds thoughtfully (and respectfully) to diverse perspectives
 Summarizes points of agreement and disagreement
 When warranted, qualify or justify their own views and understanding
 Makes new connections in light of the evidence and reasoning presented
3

Performs most of the criteria above very well
2

Performs some of the criteria above very well

Very little or no participation in the discussions.
Often comes unprepared (without reading the material or bringing notes).
4
1

4. Informative Essay on a topic of your choice on To Kill a Mockingbird.
Pick one idea within one of the following:
o Determine a theme or central idea in Mockingbird and analyze its development over the course of the
text, including how it is shaped and refined by specific details. RI.2
o Determine multiple themes in Mockingbird and explain their development by the use of characters,
events, setting, and mood. RI. 2
o Analyze how a complex character develops over the course of Mockingbird, interacts with other
characters, and advances the plot or develops the theme. RI. 2
o Analyze Harper Lee’s writing style. RI. 4 and 5
a. Analyze use of symbols, figurative language, connotative meanings;
b. Include the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone and mood.
c. Include choices concerning how to structure the story, order events within it e.g., parallel
plots), and manipulate time (e.g. pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension,
or surprise. RI.5