Element

Content

Organizat
ion

Advanced

On-Target

Novice

The writer:

Begins with a compelling

introduction that
provides thorough
background knowledge
of the two cultures and
mythology.

Presents the
comparisons(s) and
contrast(s) of the
cultures in a well-worded
thesis statement, then
explains the connections
between multiple
comparison and contrast
relationships.

Provides carefully
selected details to fully
illustrate the problem.

Includes well-selected
evidence from the myths
to back up support.

Creates a coherent
comparison of the
cultures, but also show
the different values each
has.

The writer:

Introduces the cultures by

providing background
knowledge.

Presents the
comparison(s) and
contrast(s) of the cultures
in a clearly worded thesis
statement.

Provides most of the

relevant details from the
mythology.

Includes enough evidence

to make a cultural
comparison, but the
differences are unclear.

Attempts to look at the

cultural values of the
Greeks and the Norse

The writer:

Introduces the cultures by

providing little
background knowledge.

The problem statement is

incomplete because it
presents the problem and
either its causes or
effects but not both; or
presents both cause and
effect but does not make
clear the connection
between them.

Does not provide enough

relevant details to fully
illustrate the thesis; key
points are missing.

Evidence of the cultural

nature of myths is
missing or incomplete.

The cultural values of

both cultures are
unsupported of missing

The chosen structure

usually logically reveals a
basic understanding of
the cultures and in
comparing a contrasting
their values.
Only occasionally
misplaced sentences or
ideas.

Voice is appropriately
persuasive and formal for
the intended audience.
The word choice usually
reflects the intended
audience and is specific
to the chosen topic.
Sentences are properly
punctuated in most
cases.

Style,
Mechanic
s, and
Format

Process
Checklist

The chosen structure

consistently reveals the
writers line of reasoning
both in the presentation
of the cultures and in
comparing a contrasting
their values.
Transitions also make
clear the line of
reasoning and create a
logical flow between
sentences and
paragraphs.
Voice is persuasive,
authoritative and
consistently appropriate
for the intended
audience.
The word choice is
interesting, reflects the
intended audience, and
is specific to the chosen
topic.
The essay contains no
errors in punctuation.

The chosen structure

does not make clear the
comparison or contrasting
of the cultures or their
values.
The arrangement of
paragraphs and
sentences often lacks
logic.

Voice is not appropriate

for the intended
audience; or shifts from
informal to formal
throughout the essay.
The word choice is
simplistic and/or general
and is not specific to the
topic or intended
audience.
Letter contains numerous
punctuation errors that
affect meaning and
fluidity.

The writer:
o
Generated ideas to discover multiple topics and selected the most viable one.
o
Drafted to explore and revise his/her topic choice.
o
Revised his/her draft to create a better-organized and clearer essay.
o
Edited for stronger word choice, simpler sentences, and an error-free essay.
o
Reflected to understand and learn from the writing process.