Literary Criticism Essay Rubric

Thesis is a plausible Thesis demonstrates Thesis not evident; thesis

Argument is clearly articulated Thesis presents a reasonable
Thesis argument; contains a misunderstanding of the is a fact or plot summary;
and persuasive, contains an opinion, argument is clear
legitimate opinion, but prompt or text thesis not in correct
original opinion and focused
8 points total somewhat broad and basic position
8 points 6 points
4 points 2 points 0 points
Author Background information about Background information Background information
Background information about Background information
Context the author is specific and about the author adds to about the author is present
the author is present, but about the author is missing
enhances persuasion of the argument and relevant to thesis and
incorrect or not relevant
16 points essay text
4 points 0 points
total 16 points 12 points 8 points
Creative/original ideas and
Close Analysis is believable and Analysis supports your Ideas lack development; Analysis not present
insights; extensive commentary
Reading convincing, a few assertions argument, but ideas are misunderstanding of prompt simply plot summary
based on apt, specific text
Analysis may lack specific examples, obvious and basic; mostly or text; illogical argument; Analysis does not
evidence, refreshing; goes
but assertions are still clearly paraphrased references some paraphrased references address the prompt
beyond obvious and basic
32 points connected to the argument
commentary
total 24 points 16 points 8 points 0 points
32 points
Creative/original ideas and
Analysis is believable and
Criticism insights; extensive commentary Analysis supports your Analysis not present
convincing, a few assertions Ideas lack development;
Application based on apt, specific text argument, but ideas are simply summary of main
may lack specific examples, misunderstanding of criticism
evidence, refreshing; goes obvious and basic; mostly points of criticism
but assertions are still clearly
32 points beyond obvious and basic paraphrased references
connected to the argument 8 points
total commentary 16 points 0 points
24 points
32 points
Minor problems with
Major spelling, grammar,
coherence, grammar, Several distracting problems
Mechanics Effective punctuation; close punctuation errors;
spelling, punctuation, but with spelling, grammar,
and Perfect! (or 1 or 2 minor errors) to perfect; Minor if any error distracts and interferes
does not interfere with the punctuation, coherence; MLA
Conventions in MLA citations with understanding of
understanding of paper; citations incorrect
8 points paper; MLA citations
MLA citations are present
8 points total 6 points nonexistent
and mostly correct 2 points
0 points
4 points
None of the following are One of the following are Two of the following are Three of the following are Four of the following are
formatted incorrectly: formatted incorrectly: formatted incorrectly: formatted incorrectly: formatted incorrectly:
Font size Font size Font size Font size Font size
Formatting
Font type Font type Font type Font type Font type
Line spacing Line spacing Line spacing Line spacing Line spacing
4 points total
Margin space Margin space Margin space Margin space Margin space
Works Cited Page Works Cited Page Works Cited Page Works Cited Page Works Cited Page
4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point 0 points
Reflection Questions
Please answer these questions before turning in your essay. You must write your answer in complete sentences.
1) Whats something in your essay that youre proud of?

2) What do you think could be improved? What do you want suggestions on when I read your essay?

3) Is there anything else you think I need to know in order to grade your essay fairly?

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Rubric Reflection
Please answer this question after you have received your graded essay back.
Do you think the grade you received on your essay was too high, too low, or just right? In a well-written paragraph explain why, using specific examples from the
rubric and your essay to prove your opinion about your grade.

If you can argue convincingly that your grade should be higher, I may choose to do so. In no instance will your grade be lowered, so please answer honestly.