Reader Response Rubric
6
This response contains an engaging introduction that identifies the title, author and genre of the piece, and eventually
leads to a complex thesis statement that clearly defines a carefully reasoned position on Gladwell’s theories. The body paragraphs
have topic sentences that articulate an angle on each theory. Each theory is accurately summarized, and each position is then
supported with convincing evidence from personal experience, reading, or observation. Textual evidence is seamlessly integrated
and properly cited according to MLA format rules. Each paragraph clincher effectively connects Gladwell’s theory with the evidence.
The conclusion extends beyond summary to a reflective closure. The overall essay exhibits a sophisticated style.
5
This response contains an engaging introduction that identifies the title, author and genre of the piece, and eventually leads
to a complex thesis statement that clearly defines a position on Gladwell’s theories. The body paragraphs have topic sentences that
articulate an angle on each theory. Each theory is accurately summarized, and each position is then supported with convincing
evidence from personal experience, reading, or observation. Textual evidence is seamlessly integrated and properly cited according
to MLA format rules. Each paragraph clincher effectively connects Gladwell’s theory with the evidence. The conclusion extends
beyond summary to a reflective closure. The overall essay exhibits a sophisticated style.
4
This response contains an introduction that identifies the title, author and genre of the piece, and eventually leads to a
thesis statement that defines a position on Gladwell’s theories. The body paragraphs have topic sentences that state an angle on
each theory. Each theory is adequately summarized, and each position is then supported with evidence from personal experience,
reading, or observation but may not fully demonstrate the effect of the examples. Textual evidence is integrated and properly cited
according to MLA format rules. Each paragraph attempts a clincher strategy. The conclusion adequately summarizes the position of
the paper. The overall essay utilizes correct grammar and mechanics.
3
This response contains a basic introduction that identifies the title and author, and eventually leads to a thesis statement
that takes a position on Gladwell’s theories but lacks precision and does not address any complexities. The body paragraphs have
topic sentences that simply state the theory to be addressed. Each theory is summarized, however, each position is mentioned but
not developed. Textual evidence is attempted but contains errors in MLA format rules. The support paragraphs may end with a
quote without further explanation. The conclusion summarizes the paper. The overall essay contains errors in grammar and
mechanics.
2
This response contains a basic introduction that identifies the title and author, and eventually leads to a thesis statement
that lists Gladwell’s theories but lacks precision and does not address any complexities. The body paragraphs have topic sentences
that simply state the theory to be addressed. Each theory is summarized, but may contain errors in accuracy. Textual evidence lacks
relevancy and quotes are not well integrated and/or fail to adhere to MLA rules. The support paragraphs may end with a quote
without further explanation. The conclusion summarizes the paper. The overall essay contains errors in grammar and mechanics
that hinder readability.
1
This response fails to address the prompt, is unacceptably brief, shows little or no understanding of the reading material,
and/or contains little to no evidence of proofreading.