Analytical Essay Rubric 4 3 2 1 0 Has no analysis Analysis Develops the main idea with convincing, supportive analysis that go beyond the obvious Develops the main idea with specific, relevant, analysis Develops the main idea with generally accurate and relevant analysis Attempts to develop or support the main idea with limited, repetitious, faulty, and/or unclear information and/or analysis Thesis Conveys a clear, focused, substantive, and original thesis that drives the piece Has a clear, focused thesis Suggests a thesis, but the direction of the piece is still unclear Focuses on a general topic, but does not convey a main idea Has no thesis or main idea Evidence Includes comprehensive evidence (quotes) from source that is smoothly integrated Provides adequate evidence (quotes) from source and/or includes paraphrased evidence. Has weakly integrated and/or incomplete evidence (quotes) and/or includes paraphrased evidence. Has vague, imprecise, and/or weakly integrated evidence (quotes) and/or includes paraphrased evidence. Has no evidence Intro and Conclusion Has an inviting intro that draws reader in and creates a strong sense of anticipation; includes satisfying conclusion that conveys a powerful sense of closure and resolution Features an intro that creates anticipation and a conclusion that ties up loose ends with a satisfying sense of closure Contains a recognizable intro and conclusion but they may be formulaic or obvious Includes an intro that does not adequately establish purpose and/or a conclusion that fails to provide closure, leaving the reader with questions Includes little no introduction or conclusion Transitions Uses clear, thoughtful transitions, showing the reader how ideas relate and enhancing meaning and progress throughout the piece; includes paragraphs that ensure ideas build throughout the piece to create a unified whole Features logical, varied transitions; uses sequence and transition words/phrases effectively; orders paragraphs to support development of ideas Includes transitions that connect ideas though they may be formulaic or predictable in places; has paragraphs with topic sentences and support Uses transitions inappropriately, resulting in weak chunking of paragraphs or ideas Has no transitions Sequencing and Structure Uses highly effective sequencing, making best choices for progression and enriching the reader's understanding. Uses analytical writing structures to best use. Employs sequencing that moves beyond the obvious, building connections between ideas. Uses analytical writing structures. Provides logical and helpful sequencing with ideas placed in an understandable order. May use analytical writing structures. Includes sequencing that fails to showcase ideas or takes over so completely it is formulaic. Mostly ignores analytical writing structures. Uses sequencing that does not make sense and does not use analytical writing structures Word Choice Features precise, accurate vocabulary, chosen to enhance purpose and meaning; has author's message that's easy to understand. Uses words that are natural, original, and suited to purpose and audience; features effective word choice that enriches the author's message. Has vocabulary that suits purpose well and clearly communicates message. Frequently chooses creative, precise words to clarify and enhance meaning Features vocabulary that works to clarify meaning/ purpose and begins to shape a unique piece. Demonstrates willingness to stretch and grow with attempts at creative word choice Employs vocabulary that is correct in a general sense; includes message that is emerging or can be inferred. Chooses words that are functional but limited, conveying only a basic message Uses innapropriate vocabulary for a formal essay. Uses accurate and occasionally refined parts of speech that are functional and start to shape the message. Uses sentence structure that is correct and smooth, but mechanical in places; sentences hang together and are structurally sound Includes mechanical parts of speech that reflect a lack of craftsmanship; relies on passive verbs, overused nouns, and lack of modifiers that limit the message and make the piece uninteresting. Uses technically correct sentence structure, yet sentences are frequently not smooth Includes multiple Spanglish errors and is difficult to read Grammar and Sentence Structure Crafts parts of speech to best convey message; has Carefully chooses correct lively verbs that energize and varied parts of speech the piece and precise to effectively nouns/modifiers that add communicate message and depth, color, and specificity. clarify and enrich writing. Uses strong sentence Has sentence structure structure, underscoring and that flows well and moves enhancing meaning while reader fluidly through engaging and moving the the piece reader fluidly from beginning to end Has way too many errors Has some errors in spelling, Has many errors in spelling, Has correct spelling, Is a mangled mess Writing Conventions in spelling, punctuation, punctuation, capitalization, punctuation, capitalization, punctuation, capitalization, of spaghetti and Formatting capitalization, font, margins, font, margins, etc. font, margins, etc. font, margins, etc. etc.
