Death of a Salesman/ A Raisin in the Sun Compare/Contrast Essay
Name: __________________________________________
Thesis
Organization
Analysis
Supporting Details
(6 substantial
quotes or 12 smaller
quotes, min.)
Style/Voice
Mechanics
Format
Final Draft Due: ___________________
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Thesis is INSIGHTFUL,
provides a clear map
for the rest of the
paper, and
demonstrates a depth
of understanding of the
topic. (15)
Thesis is CLEAR and
relevant to topic; lays
out a mainly clear map
for the paper. But it may
be too general or
superficial.
(14-13)
Thesis is VAGUE and/or
WEAK; does not lay out
a clear, organizational
map. Thesis
demonstrates limited
depth or insight.
(12-11)
Thesis is MISSING or
IRRELEVANT. It does not
demonstrate any
understanding of the
topic.
EACH paragraph is
coherent and
consistently relates to
topic, & contributes to
an effective argument.
Smooth transitions used
in and between
paragraphs. Clear
distinctions are made
for each play. (10)
MOST paragraphs relate
to main idea &
contribute to an
effective argument;
more transitional
words/phrases could
have been utilized.
Mostly clear distinctions
made for each play.
(9-8)
FEW paragraphs relate
to main idea,
contribute to a semieffective argument,
while some stray off
topic. Essay lacks
transitional
words/phrases.
Paragraphs are
jumbled. (7-6)
NO paragraphs relate to
main idea, contribute to
an effective argument or
properly utilize transitional
words or phrases. Equal
attention is not paid to
both plays in one or
more of the paragraphs.
Analysis is interesting
and insightful. EXPERTLY
supports thesis. Makes
EXCEPTIONAL
connections between
topic and texts.
Analysis is clear and
ADEQUATELY supports
thesis. Explanations are
SUFFICIENT but need
further elaboration.
STRONG connections
between topic and
texts.
(27-26)
MOST details and
quotes are strong
choices for relevance
to argument; MOSTLY
fluidly integrated.
Analysis is SIMPLISTIC or
varies in quality. WEAK
insights and
connections between
topic and texts.
Analysis is shallow,
unfocused or illogical.
ABSENT or INEFFECTIVE or
INSUFFICIENT analysis.
Little thought put into the
connections or focus of
essay.
25-24)
Detail and quote
choices are SIMPLISTIC;
LACK fluid insertion into
paragraphs. Examples
are weak, too general,
or only loosely
connected to the thesis
and/or analysis.
(16-15)
DIFFICULT to follow due
to wordiness,
awkwardness and/or
repetition; some
effective words, but
mostly simplistic.
Overuse of simple
sentences.
(23-0)
Supporting details and
quotes are MISSING or
gravely inadequate; not
enough examples are
used to support the thesis
and analysis.
(6)
MANY spelling and
grammatical errors; little
sentence variety; does
not use 3rd person,
present tense, parallel
structure or active
voice; quotes
incorrectly cited or
punctuated.
(5-0)
TOO MANY mechanical
errors, shows lack of proof
reading; little to no
sentence variety; quotes
not cited or punctuated
correctly.
(6)
(5-0)
Essay is missing one of
the following: length,
title, heading, typed,
font choice/size,
margins, spacing
Essay is incomplete in 2
or 3 of the following
areas: length, title,
heading, typed, font,
margins, spacing.
Format of essay is grossly
incomplete.
(4)
(3-2)
(1)
(30-28)
ALL details and quotes
are exceptional
choices for their
relevance to argument;
FLUIDLY integrated into
the paragraphs.
(20-19)
Easy and ENJOYABLE to
read; free of wordiness
and repetition.
SOPHISTICATED diction.
Varied sentence
structure throughout.
Tone is consistently
objective and formal.
(10-9)
Essay contains almost
NO spelling or
grammatical errors.
Perfected use of 3rd
person, present tense,
and parallel structure.
Active verb voice is
consistently used. All
quotes appropriately
cited and punctuated.
(10-9)
Strict adherence to:
length (4-6 pages),
interesting title, proper
heading, typed, 12pt
TNR/Garamond, 1 inch
margins on all sides,
double- spaced, with
no extra spaces b/n
paragraphs.
(5)
(18-17)
Overall EASY to read;
little clutter/wordiness.
Uses many effective
and appropriate words.
Attempts varied
sentence structure.
Some repetition or
choppiness in some
places.
(8-7)
FEW spelling and
grammatical errors;
some evidence of
sentence variety; strong
use of 3rd person,
present tense, active
verb voice, and parallel
structure; quotes
appropriately
punctuated and cited.
(8-7)
(10-0)
(5-0)
(14-0)
Clutter and wordiness
PREVENT essay from
being readable; overly
simplistic sentence
structure and/or diction.