Analytical Essay Rubric / Scoring Guide
Score
Addresses
the writing
task
Organization /
use of
supporting
evidence
Specific,
detailed
supporting
evidence; wellorganized
Sentence
structure /
word choice /
voice
Varied
sentence
structure,
effective word
choice, and
sense of voice
24- 25
points
Clearly and
insightfully
addresses the
writing task
22-23
points
Effectively
addresses the
writing task
Uses
appropriate
supporting
evidence;
generally wellorganized
20-21
points
Adequately
addresses the
writing task
Presents some
supporting
evidence and
shows
organization
Contains some
examples of
varied
sentence
structure and
effective word
choice
Displays
limited variety
in sentence
structure and
adequate
word choice
17-19
points
May contain
limited or
weak analysis
embedded in
summary
Minimal
supporting
evidence and/or
weak
organization
15-16
points
Mere
summary of
the passage
14 or
less
points
Only a
passing
reference to
the writing
task
Disjointed
evidence,
inadequate
development,
or vague
generalizations
Unacceptable
brevity
Almost no
examples of
varied
sentence
structure and
effective word
choice
Confusing or
poor
organization
Consistent lack
of organization
and
development
Grammar and
mechanics
Demonstrates
consistent and
effective
control of
standard
English
grammar and
mechanics
Demonstrates
effective
control of
standard
English
grammar and
mechanics
Demonstrates
adequate
control of
standard
English
grammar and
mechanics
Recurrent
errors in
grammar and
mechanics
Frequent errors
in grammar and
mechanics that
interfere with
the reader’s
understanding
Serious errors
in grammar and
mechanics
Analytical Essay Rubric / Scoring Guide
-Do not use contractions in your paper (except when quoting from the novel).
-Write in the literary present. Example: Lee states (not Lee stated); Dill explores (not Dill explored)
-Do not use first person (I, we, our, us, me, my, mine) or 2nd person (you, your, yours) in your paper
except when quoting from the novel.
-Format of citations: “ “ (Lee 35). – the first time that you cite; any time thereafter, only list the page
number (64).
-Format of essay: double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font
-Your essay consists of: four body paragraphs (the thesis is the first sentence in the first body
paragraph) plus a separately indented concluding sentence (see TKAM analytical essay guide for
formatting)
*The essay for groups of three people consists of six body paragraphs plus a separately indented
concluding sentence