Marcus Aurelius inspired essay on right and wrong and who must participate.
Name:
Period:
Informative/Explanatory Writing—within the essay (mostly in the intro and conclusion) you address…
You note who Marcus Aurelius was in the context
of history—(a good Roman Emperor + time
period); he was serious and looked out for the
people, not himself; and his legacy is largely due to
his writings between battles.
9
You note who Marcus
Aurelius was in the context
of history—(a Roman
Emperor); he looked out for
the people; and his legacy is
largely due to his writings.
8
You note who
Marcus Aurelius
was—(a long dead
Roman); his legacy
is largely due to his
writings. 7
No mention
of Marcus
Aurelius.
You give the title of his
writing—Meditations. You
note he was a stoic
philosopher and define
Stoicism, OR you give
examples of some of the
lessons he learned. 8
You give examples
of some of the
lessons he learned.
No mention
of philosophy
or lessons
7
x
You thoroughly and with detail explain how and/or
why Stoics would agree/disagree with your
perspective or argument
9
You acknowledge
that the Stoics may
have thoughts.
No mention
of the Stoics.
Completeness and word choice makes this a
You acknowledge parts of
your argument that Stoics
would comment on with a
very limited or basic
10
explanation.
8
7
Completeness and word choice makes this a
10
You give the title of his writing— Meditations, and
note that it’s still printed today, b/c people find
wisdom in it. You note he was a stoic philosopher
and define Stoicism. You give examples of some of
the lessons he learned.
9
Completeness and word choice makes this a
10
X
X
TOTAL:
Supports claims (argument writing)
It is clear you understand what morals are either through
the tone the essay and your explanation of how you agree
or disagree, or because you correctly define them.
9
Completeness and word choice makes this a
You list some of MA’s most important lessons
and you argue WHY/HOW these lessons matter
more than the others. You list and argue
which of MA’s lessons are hardest to follow and
why.
9
Completeness and word choice makes this a 10
Your thesis is clear. You agree or disagree that
“morals are for those can afford them”. You
have clarified that afford means poverty, or
tragedy or rough life circumstances, etc. You
may allow for special circumstances, but you
have picked a side. 9
Completeness and word choice makes this a 10
/10
Your definition of morals or approach
to morals talks about more than what it
is right and wrong, either by society
and/or individual. Definition is cloudy.
10
7
You list one of MA’s most You list some of MA’s
important lessons and
most important
you argue WHY/HOW
lessons.
these lessons matter
OR You list which of
more than the others.
MA’s list are hardest
You list which of MA’s
to follow.
lessons are hardest to
follow.
8
7
I don’t know
that you’re
talking about
acting right.
X
You don’t
address any of
the lessons of
MA.
Your thesis is clear. You
agree or disagree that
“morals are for those can
afford them”. You may
allow for special
circumstances, but you
have picked a side. 8
I’m not clear
what you
intend to
prove.
Your thesis is clear.
You agree or disagree
that “morals are for
those can afford
them”.
X
X
7
Marcus Aurelius inspired essay on right and wrong and who must participate.
You define what qualifies as reasonable
exception(s) to the rule and give details to flesh
out example(s) so it is life like for the reader.
You argue the consequences of acting differently
and how/why you this exception can be made.
9
Completeness and word choice makes this a 10
You sell it. I must now agree with you based on
how compelling and rich with imagery and detail
your argument is.
9
Completeness and word choice makes this a
10
You define what qualifies
as a reasonable
exception to the rule and
how/why you this
exception can be made.
You acknowledge that
exceptions may be
needed. 7
Your argument is such
that exceptions shall
not apply.
N/A
8
I’m mostly sold. The
argument is there, but
underdeveloped or
lacking punch. 8
I’m not yelling “NO”,
but it is
underdeveloped and
could have used more
thought. 7
Your exceptions
don’t make
sense or your
argument is full
of holes. I am
frustrated that
you haven’t
acknowledged
exceptions.
X
NO!!!
X
Multiplied by 2
= ______
TOTAL:
Narrative Writing
You tell what you believe about morality and
how you came to believe this. It is not vague
and waffling.
9
Completeness and word choice makes this a
10
There is a story that helps illustrate your
point. I feel like I learned something about
you or the world based on the story.
9
You tell what you believe
about morality and how
you came to believe this,
but it’s standard and
vague, seemingly without
deeper thought. 8
You are confused
on what you
believe about
morality.
You are confused on
what you believe
about morality. Your
writing is confused.
7
x
There is a story that helps
illustrate your point.
I mostly get why
the story is there,
but there are
moments of
confusion. 7
Why are you telling
me this?
There are a few
sensory details,
mostly generic.
This could be
anybody’s story about
anything. No detail.
7
Multiplied by 2 =
______
Completeness and word choice makes this a
10
It is full of sensory details that make the story
clear and thus entertaining to read.
9
Word choice makes this a
10
/10
There are some sensory
details that make the
story clear. 8
X
TOTAL:
/10