20 pts
Accomplished
Essay is written in proper MLA formatting and in academic language with style and flair.
13 pts
Proficient
Essay is solidly written with academic language and word choice. MLA format may be missing or uneven in application, but basics are visible.
7 pts
Level 2 – Approaching Standard
Essay is written with some academic language, but usage is stilted or uneven and affects understanding. MLA formatting is not used or there are more than 4 major errors in usage.
0 pts
Level 1 – Revision required
Essay is poorly constructed and lacks academic style or word choice. No attempt at any MLA formatting.
/ 20 pts
Application of Critical Perspective and Critical thinking
view longer description
40 to >30 pts
Exemplary
Essay reflects mastery of literary argument and and a clear understanding and analysis are visible in fluent language and logical application. Essay shows strong evidence of evaluation and synthesis.
30 to >20 pts
Proficient
Essay reflects a solid understanding of literary argumentation and writer shows evidence of analysis. Some synthesis and evaluation may be visible despite minor errors in development or source citation.
20 to >10 pts
Approaching Standard
Essay shows inconsistant application of analysis, synthesis/evaluation. Logic or understanding of argument may be visible, but may include errors or misinterpretations. Summary rather than analysis.
10 to >0 pts
Revision
Essay reflects little understanding of literary argument or little or very inconsistent application of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Major errors in conclusions or summary of author works only.
/ 40 pts
Evidence, Focus and Coherence
view longer description
20 to >15 pts
Accomplished
Textual proof is powerful and thoroughly examined, explained and relevant to the thesis. The essay is well-organized and builds the argument throughout with clean transitions and sophistication and focus.
15 to >10 pts
Proficient
Essay uses textual proof for supporting each point and adequately examined and explained. Proof is relevant, focused and logically organized.
10 to >5 pts
Approaching Standard
Essay uses textual proof for support, but may be inconsistently explained or unfocused. Essay lacks coherence, but thesis is clearly supported and links are visible.
Revision
Essay lacks coherence or uses questionable textual proof and loses focus. Support may not be connected to the thesis and organizational structure is not visible.
Essay is flawlessly written with academic style and flair. High level word choice and sentence variety.
Proficient
Essay is well written and provides some strong word choice and style.
Approaching Standard
Essay is written with some academic language and conventions of grammar, but errors are visible and affect understanding.
Revision
Essay is poorly written or includes so many grammatical errors that comprehension is low.
