CONTENT
 Sophisticated thesis statement that is informative,
accurate, and well-worded, as well as relevant and
responsive to the prompt
 Introductory paragraph that provides sufficient
background for the text while avoiding an entire retelling (this is not a book report)
 Strong selection, use, and incorporation (see MLA) of
10 points possible textual evidence/quotes – at least two per literary
device -- as well as other relevant examples
_____  Commentary/explanation that artfully and explicitly
connects evidence to method/device
 Well-considered analysis that works to meaningfully
connect the evidence, device, and commentary to the
theme
 Clearly demonstrated understanding of 1) selected
literary devices, 2) concept of a complete theme, and
3) author’s purpose

10 points possible
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_____
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ORGANIZATION
Well-executed progression of ideas in a manner that
is appropriate to both thesis and paper
Coherent paragraphs that state, suggest, and support
inherent purpose
Strategically placed topic sentences
Sophisticated transition within and between
sentences, ideas, and paragraphs
Appropriately placed evidence, examples, relevant
details, commentary, and analysis
MECHANICS
10 points possible
_____
10 points possible
_____
 Uses proper MLA formatting throughout (including
bullets below)
 Includes in-text citations
 Needs little to no editing in punctuation, capitalization,
spelling
 Avoids grammatical/syntactical/mechanical errors
 Displays appropriate and skillful language
 Establishes consistent voice, tone, perspective
 Employs meaningful and varied sentence structure
 Contains all elements required of thesis [thesis
statement]
ENTHUSIASM
~Summation of time spent on all of the above should
produce an enjoyable paper that illustrates an
understanding of the text, appreciation for author’s
choices, and an enthusiasm for considered, revised, and
proofed work.
~Author’s (student’s) willingness to invest themselves in
analytic thought and a disciplined writing process should
be reflected here -- see PASSION: Put in the time,
perfect every detail, and push yourself to thinkand feel -not just perform.
COMMENTS

10 points possible
__________