Universal Theme Analysis Essay Rubric
Student Name: __________________________________
Text: _______________________________
Date: __________________________________________
Communication and Information Literacy
CCC
Look For
Engagement of the
Reader
(x4)
4
3
2
Hooks the readers and
captures attention in a
way that demands to
be read.
Generates interest
early on and maintains
it throughout.
Presents in a lackluster
manner, generates
ambivalence in the
reader.
Fails to hook the
reader and capture
attention.
Evidence
(x5)
Context is thorough,
and events are shownnot told or listedproviding ample and
accurate evidence of
theme in works. MLA
format is used
correctly and
consistently in citing
quotations from text.
Context is attempted.
Elements and events in
the story are told
and/or listed; little
evidence of theme is
provided. MLA format
is attempted in citing
quotations from text.
Context is inadequate.
Elements and events
are under developed;
lacks connection of
theme in works. MLA
format is used
incorrectly and
inconsistently (or not at
all) in citing quotations
from text.
Organization
(x3)
Includes effective
introduction,
developed body (with
topic sentences), and
satisfying conclusion;
functions as a whole
with a clear flow and
purpose.
Consistently free of
errors with grammar
and mechanics.
Context is adequate.
Some elements and
events are shown;
other elements and
events are told;
providing adequate
evidence of theme in
works. MLA format is
sometimes used
correctly and
consistently in citing
quotations from text.
Includes adequate
introduction, body, and
conclusion; essay
moves forward
purposefully. Some
errors in topic
sentences.
Includes introduction,
body, and conclusion
but in an inconsistent
manner. Focus shifts
from theme.
No clear introduction,
body, and/or
conclusion; lacks
focus.
Reasonably free of
errors with grammar
and mechanics.
Inadequate control of
errors with grammar
and mechanics.
Egregious errors with
grammar and
mechanics.
Critical Thinking
Grammar and Mechanics
(x3)
1
Critique
(x5)
Critique of evidence
thoroughly proves the
(theme) claim.
Critique of evidence
partially proves the
(theme) claim.
Critique of evidence
inadequately proves
the (theme) claim.
Critique of evidence
not available or offers
no proof of the (theme)
claim.
Common Universal
Theme
(x5)
Universal theme is the
sole focus throughout
and discussed in a
way that enhances the
reader’s understanding
of its importance.
Universal theme is
adequately developed
and discussed in a
way that generally
makes the case of its
importance.
Universal theme lacks
the attention and
development
warranted to make the
case for its importance.
Universal theme is
undeveloped,
inaccurate, or difficult
to determine and does
not make the case for
its importance.
Total Points Earned: ___________
Grade __________
Comment: ____________________________________________