Theme Jots to Thoughts
Rubric
Level One
12 points
(Far below grade level)
Level Two
15 points
(Approaching grade level)

I wrote a life lesson that
my character learned.

I wrote a life lesson that
my character learned.

I used 1-2 pieces of text
evidence from my book.

I used at least 2-3 pieces
of text evidence from
throughout my book to
support my theme.

I only wrote about one
section of my book
(beginning, middle, or
end).


Level Three
18 points
(Meeting grade level
expectations)
 I discuss the theme or
possible themes that
show an important life
lesson my character
learns. The lesson is
significant.
Level 4
20 points
(Exceeding grade level
expectations)
 I discuss more than one
theme or possible themes
that show an important
life lesson my character
learns. The lessons are
significant.

I gathered at least 3
pieces of text evidence
from throughout my book
to support my claim. My
evidence is related to
what I claim the theme is.


I tracked my idea from
early on and have
evidence from throughout
my book (or at least a few
sections) that support my
claim.
I gathered at least 3-4
pieces of text evidence
with a mix of evidence
that is directly stated in
my book and evidence
that is implied in my
book, to clearly back up
my claim about theme.

I tracked my idea from
early on and have
evidence from throughout
my book (or at least a few
sections) that support my
claim.

I may start to analyze
how the author wrote the
text in order to
demonstrate the theme.
I explain why my
evidence is important to
showing the theme.
I started to connect
events that have
happened in different
sections of my book and
how they demonstrate
the theme.