Literary Analysis Writing Rubric
Trait
4 – Advanced
3 – Proficient
2 – Basic
1 – Limited
Reading &
Research
The essay
demonstrates
an insightful
interpretation of text
revealed in depth
of understanding of
literary elements.
The essay
demonstrates
a general
interpretation of
text and literary
elements.
The essay
inconsistently
demonstrates
awareness of
meaning of the text,
but some attempt
to discuss literary
elements is evident.
The essay makes no
attempt to interpret
the text. Literary
elements are not
included.
Focus/
Controlling
Idea
The essay has an
exemplary focus on a
captivating topic that
analyzes all aspects
of the of the author’s
intent.
The essay maintains
a steady focus
supported with
analysis that shows a
clear idea of author’s
intent.
The essay shows
an attempt at
establishing a
focus but it is not
clearly stated.
Writer expresses an
opinion but does not
consider all aspects
of author’s intent.
The essay is confusing
and/or has an
inaccurate focus. No
attempt is made to
analyze the text.
The essay is a
generally accurate
analysis with some
insight into use of
author’s literary
techniques. Details
are sequenced and
stated clearly, but
may not be fully
developed.
The essay makes
vague reference
to details derived
from text, but there
is an unclear or
inaccurate analysis
of literary techniques
and devices within
the text. Content is
somewhat uneven
but exhibits some
attempt to adhere to
prompt.
The essay attempts
to analyze the text
but has poor or weak
content development
with no support from
the text. Writer shows
no understanding
of how to form an
analytical response.
The essay
Content
Development demonstrates
an insightful
analysis with clear
understanding of
the author’s use of
literary techniques.
Rich and varied
details are supported
with reference to
text.
Section 1: Writing
251
Literary Analysis Writing Rubric (continued)
Organization
of Ideas
Essay demonstrates
evidence of careful
planning with
commendable
organization,
including smooth
use of transitions
enhancing the flow
between ideas
and paragraphs.
Convincing and rich
details support the
thesis.
Essay has a logical
statement of ideas
with references to
supporting textual
material but may not
maintain consistent
organization
between paragraphs.
Transitions evident
throughout.
Essay has minimal
organizational
strategies or use
of strategies is
inconsistent:
introduction states
the topic, ideas are
not always controlled
to show relationship,
transitions are
limited, and the
conclusion restates information
presented in the
essay.
Organizational
strategies lack
purpose, are weak
or not evident at
all: introduction
identifies the topic
in an unclear, vague
manner; ideas have
no supporting
connection to the
text, weakening the
coherence of the
essay; transitions are
inadequate and ideas
have no connections;
and the conclusion
is either missing or
vague.
Style &
Conventions
The essay
demonstrates
an accurate and
commendable
control of language
conventions with
few or no errors
to interrupt the
communication
of the thesis.
Stylistically
sophisticated with
precise language
demonstrating
exceptional
understanding
of the topic.
The essay
demonstrates
appropriate use of
languageconventions
and intentional
stylistic manipulation,
though with less
sophistication than
advanced status. May
have some errors but
is generally edited
accurately.
The essay may use
basic vocabulary
or unsophisticated
sentence structure,
but some attempt
to control sentence
patterns is evident.
Contains errors but
not so numerous as
to obscure meaning.
The essay has no
evidence of editing
or stylistic control.
Serious errors in
grammar and usage.
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The Write Path English Language Arts: Informing Ourselves and Others Through Writing and Speaking