Performance Task
You must write a comparative essay using the stories “By Any Other Name” and
“Crackling Day” as studied in class. You must choose 3 elements of literature to
compare and contrast. It must be in 5 paragraph format (introduction, 3 bodies
and conclusion).
Comparison Essay Rubric and Checklist
Compose and Create Rubric
Level
Mastery 4
Great work! This is going
extra well for you.
Proficiency 3
You did it and you did
it on your own.
Criteria
CC B 30.4
Compose
and create a
comparative
essay.
*Format is precise.
Approaching 2
Good start. You are
beginning to make
sense of this on your
own.
Format is mostly correct.
Format is partially correct.
Thesis is appropriate.
Thesis is basic.
Facts, details, and quotes
almost always specific to
purpose, mostly
persuasive, and well
placed to flow within text.
Facts, details, and quotes
sometimes missing,
incorrect, or out of
context. Too much
information or not
enough.
Thesis is insightful.
Facts, details, and quotes
specific to purpose,
persuasive, and well placed
to flow within text.
Positions are defended with
relevant evidence and expert
opinions, using logical
reasoning.
Positions are defended
with relevant evidence,
using logical reasoning.
Transitions between
paragraphs are smooth and
expertly link to thesis.
Transitions between
paragraphs are smooth
and clearly link to thesis.
Paragraphs need more
transitions to help link
them together and to the
thesis.
Analysis is in-depth.
Analysis is appropriate to
situation.
Summary rather than
analysis.
A new insight is revealed
about the topic – the “so
what” beyond the
comparison is clear.
Little insight given as a
result of the comparison,
or the “so what” doesn’t
clearly follow.
A new insight is revealed
about the topic – the “so
what” beyond the
comparison is clear and
insightful.
Beginning 1
You can do it.
Spend some
extra time with
the criteria and
ask for help
Cues & Conventions:
Cues & Conventions:
Formal language, fluency,
grammar and spelling correct,
double spaced, proper font,
strong words, active verbs,
proper punctuation, proper
quote citation and usage, avoids
contractions, present tense.
Very few language
mistakes. Grammar and
spelling are appropriate.
Wording is appropriate.
Mostly correct quotes or
summaries.
Cues & Conventions:
Wording seems off –
maybe words are too big
and don’t fit, informal
language, vague
language, improper quote
citation and usage.
Format is precise:



Paragraph One:
o General introduction
o Three points of proof
o Thesis
Body (three paragraphs) discusses each topic point by point (one per para) as outlined in
introduction
Conclusion = Paragraph five:
o Sums up, reflects on, or comments on the comparison in a coherent, convincing way
o Restates thesis and three points
Checklist you created:
Read and reread as needed “Crackling Day” and “By Any Other Name”
Finish all questions for both essays
Use a graphic organizer to compare and contrast the two essays
Determine if you believe the essays to be more similar than different or more different than
similar and why
Figure out your “so what”
Set a goal in your AR Journal for writing this essay – use Assess and Reflect Writing sheet
Create an outline for your essay:
o Paragraph one – include the three topics for the next three paragraphs, introduction,
thesis
o Paragraph two – explain the first point, including quotes as evidence from essays
o Paragraph three – explain the second point, including quotes as evidence from essays
o Paragraph four – explain the third point, including quotes as evidence from essays
o Paragraph five – conclusion wraps it up but don’t say In conclusion!
Have a peer/other proof read it using the editing checklist
Self-evaluate using same editing checklist
Type final draft. Double space, 12 pitch, Times New Roman
Hand in with all rough copies, notes, graphic organizers, questions for both essays, checklist and
rubric
Check over Writing “Assess and Reflect” now and again when essay returned to finish the “after
writing”