Rubric for Literary Criticism
NY
Argue:
Build a case
for and
defend
conclusions
reached,
based in
sound logic
and valid
evidence.
MS
Makes an argument and backs up with
relevant evidence and discussion
ES
Makes an argument and backs up with relevant
evidence and discussion. The author anticipates
and addresses opposing viewpoints in discussion.
___Quoted Evidence from Heart of
Darkness directly supports writer’s claim
___Quoted Evidence from Heart of Darkness directly
supports writer’s claim
___Quoted Evidence from Things Fall
Apart directly supports writer’s claim
___Quoted Evidence from Things Fall Apart directly
supports writer’s claim
___Quoted Evidence from Chinua Achebe’s
“An Image of Africa” directly supports
writer’s claim
___Quoted Evidence from Chinua Achebe’s “An
Image of Africa” directly supports writer’s claim
___Quoted Evidence from Cedric Watts’
“‘A Bloody Racist’ About Achebe’s View of
Conrad” directly supports writer’s claim
___Quoted Evidence from Cedric Watts’ “‘A Bloody
Racist’ About Achebe’s View of Conrad” directly
supports writer’s claim
___All quotes used are the best possible pieces of
evidence to support writer’s thesis
___Writer utilizes ‘They Say/I Say Format” to
disprove an idea
Communic
ate: Make
ideas and
information
understood,
mindful of
audience,
purpose,
and setting.
Uses appropriate language and
organization to communicate clearly and
effectively
Here’s some specifics:
___Inverted Triangle
___Hook
___Background Information
___Clear Thesis with subtopics
___Clear Topic Sentences
___Transitions
___Developed Discussions
Uses audience and purpose to create and
implement effective communication techniques:
voice, cohesion, lang. use, organization
Here’s some specifics:
___Inverted Triangle
___Hook
___Background Information
___Clear Thesis with subtopics
___Clear Topic Sentences
___Transitions
___Developed Discussions
___Vary Method to Introduce Evidence
___Vary Type of Evidence
___Vary Format of Evidence
___Academic Vocabulary
Be precise:
Accurately
represents
solutions,
ideas, and
language.
Uses appropriate vocabulary and the
conventions of grammar to make meaning
___Language is clear and concise
___MLA format
___Adheres to Basic Requirements: 4-pages,
Garamond 12pt. Font, Double-Spaced
Errors in conventions to revise:
Use of content-specific vocabulary and the flawless
use of the conventions of grammar to make
meaning
___Language is clear and concise
___MLA format
___Adheres to Basic Requirements: 4-pages,
Garamond 12pt. Font, Double-Spaced
Applies flawlessly the conventions of grammar:
____ subject-verb agreement
____ run-ons
____ fragments
____ capitalization
____ homonyms
____ verb tense
____ spelling
____ typos
____ redundancy
____ comma usage
____ adjective usage
____ punctuation
____ italics, quotations, or underline for titles (as appropriate)
____ prepositions
Conclude:
Infer
meanings,
analyze
information
and develop
valid ideas
based on
evidence
and
analysis.
Able to reach a conclusion based on the
information provided
Able to reach a conclusion and anticipate various
interpretations and conclusions
___Clear Thesis
___Clear Thesis
___Clear Interpretation of Heart of Darkness
___Clear Interpretation of Heart of Darkness, including
acknowledgement of other possible interpretations
___Clear Interpretation of Things Fall Apart
___Clear Interpretation of Things Fall Apart, including
acknowledgement of other possible interpretations