Five Page Summary - The first two pages must introduce characters, settings, and
background. Please elaborate on the choices the author used regarding these things
and why you think the author made those choices when considering the overall theme
of the book. The next two pages must explain 3 major events in chronological order.
Elaborate on why the author chose those events and the specific order of events in
relation to the overall story arc. The last page will be your rating on the book and why. (If
you go over 5 pages, that is okay.)
Grading Rubric: Five Page Summary
Criteria
Excellent (5)
Satisfactory (1)
Needs
Improvement (0)
Introduction of
Characters,
Setting, and
Background
Provides a detailed
and insightful
introduction to the
Adequately
main characters,
introduces the
setting, and
characters, setting, Introduces
background, clearly and background,
characters,
explaining the
with some analysis settings, and
author’s choices.
of the author’s
background but
Effectively ties these choices. Makes a with limited
elements to the
reasonable
analysis or weak
overall theme of the connection to the connection to the
book.
theme.
theme.
Lacks detail in
character, setting,
or background.
Little to no
analysis of
author’s choices
or theme.
Explanation of
3 Major Events
Good (3)
Thoroughly explains Clearly explains
three major events three major events
in chronological
in chronological
order. Provides a
order. Offers some
deep analysis of
analysis of the
why the author
author’s choices,
Lists three major
Fewer than three
events in
events are
chronological order explained, or they
but lacks detailed are not in
analysis of the
chronological
author's choices or order. Lacks
Excellent (5)
Good (3)
Satisfactory (1)
Needs
Improvement (0)
chose these events
and their order in
relation to the
overall story arc.
though may lack
their relevance to
depth in explaining the story arc.
their significance to
the story arc.
analysis of the
author’s choices
or their impact on
the story.
Understanding
of Author's
Intent
Demonstrates a
deep understanding Shows a clear
of the author’s intent understanding of
Demonstrates a
behind both the
the author’s intent, basic
choice of
with a reasonable understanding of
characters, setting, analysis of
the author’s
background, and
character choices choices but with
key events. Analysis and key events.
limited or
is well-developed
Some insights may superficial
and insightful.
be more superficial. analysis.
Lacks
understanding of
the author’s intent.
Analysis is
minimal or
irrelevant.
Conclusion
and Rating
Provides a wellreasoned and
thoughtful rating
with a clear
explanation of why Provides a clear
the book was rated rating with a
this way. Evaluation reasonable
Provides a rating Provides little to
is persuasive,
explanation of why but with a vague or no rating or
reflecting a deep
the book was rated weak explanation explanation, or the
understanding of the this way. Evaluation of the reasoning.
explanation is
book’s content and is solid but may
Evaluation lacks
unclear or
themes.
lack depth.
clarity.
unsupported.
Organization
and Structure
Organization is
clear, but some
Well-organized and transitions may be
flows logically from abrupt, or sections
one section to the
are not fully
next. Transitions are developed. Overall
smooth, and writing structure is still
is coherent.
easy to follow.
Criteria
Lacks clear
Organization is
organization. The
somewhat unclear, sections feel
with some sections jumbled, and it’s
feeling
difficult to follow
disconnected or
the writer’s
hard to follow.
thought process.
Good (3)
Satisfactory (1)
Needs
Improvement (0)
Criteria
Excellent (5)
Writing
Quality and
Mechanics
Writing is difficult
Clear, concise, and Writing is generally Writing is
to follow due to
well-written with no clear, but may
understandable but frequent
or very few errors in contain occasional contains frequent grammatical,
grammar,
grammar,
grammar,
spelling, or
punctuation, or
punctuation, or
punctuation, or
punctuation
spelling. Writing
spelling errors. The spelling errors. The errors. Style is
style is engaging
style is mostly
style is basic or
unclear or
and effective.
effective.
unclear.
awkward.
Scoring Breakdown

A (90-100%): Exceptional work demonstrating a deep understanding of
the book’s themes, author’s choices, and overall structure. The paper is
well-organized and free of major errors.

B (80-89%): Good work with minor gaps in analysis, organization, or
writing quality. Demonstrates a clear understanding but lacks depth in
some areas.

C (70-79%): Satisfactory work with some significant gaps in analysis or
organization. Writing may have notable errors, and connections to the
theme or story arc may be weak.

D-F (Below 70%): Work that lacks sufficient analysis or clarity. Writing
may be unclear, with multiple errors or issues with organization. The
overall effort does not meet the assignment’s requirements.