Literary Essay Rubric

Student Name:_____________________________Period:______Date:____________

 

CATEGORY

A (90-100)

B (80-90)

C (65-79)

F (64 and below)

Introduction (Organization)

The introduction is inviting, states the thesis and previews the structure of the paper.

The introduction clearly states the thesis and previews the structure of the paper, but is not particularly inviting to the reader.

The introduction states the thesis, but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to the reader.

There is no clear introduction of the thesis or structure of the paper.

Focus on Topic (Content)

There is a clear, well-focused topic sentence. Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information.

The Topic sentence is clear but the supporting information is general.

The Topic sentence is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information.

The Topic sentence is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information.

Support for Topic (Content)

Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable.

Supporting details and information are relevant, but one key issue or portion of the storyline is unsupported.

Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues or portions of the storyline are unsupported.

Supporting details and information are typically unclear or not related to the topic.

Sentence Length (Sentence Fluency)

Every paragraph has sentences that vary in length.

Almost all paragraphs have sentences that vary in length.

Some sentences vary in length.

Sentences rarely vary in length.

Grammar & Spelling (Conventions)

Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Capitalization & Punctuation (Conventions)

Writer makes no errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the paper is exceptionally easy to read.

Writer makes 1 or 2 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the paper is still easy to read.

Writer makes a few errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and interrupt the flow.

Writer makes several errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and greatly interrupt the flow.