11th Honors
Mr. Bennett
Book Specific Rubric for A Man for All Seasons and/or Beowulf
Regardless of which essay has been chosen for the above works, the following criteria will be
evaluated:
I.
Format (10 pts.)
___ A. Essay must be typed and 2 to 3 pages in length (no shorter + no longer)
___ B. Essay must be double-spaced with one inch margins (top, bottom, left + right)
___ C. Regular size font (Times New Roman) and point (12)
___ D. Student’s name and ID # should be in the upper left corner of only the first page
II.
Style and Organization (25 pts.)
___ A. An appropriate introduction is used in which the chosen essay question is re- phrased and
the topic is introduced
___ B. The introduction contains a guiding statement or thesis statement for the essay which
should be at the end of the introduction
___ C. The paragraphs are unified, coherent well developed, and follow a logical organized
progression (example: in answering the essay it may be necessary to follow a chronological
history of the plot)
___ D. Appropriate transitions are used throughout the paper
___ E. The sentences show a variety of constructions
___ F. A conclusion exists in which the topic (essay question) or thesis is revisited and “wrapped
up”
III.
Content (40 pts.)
___ A. The chosen essay question should be answered completely; all questions within must be
fully developed in the typed essay.
___ B. Sufficient specific evidence from the novel should be used in answering the essay
question to defend your answer even if answering a hypothetical question or giving an opinion
(page numbers are helpful but not necessary)
___ C. Discussion and observations of characters, plot, symbolism, narration, social issues, etc.
should be of original thought in nature. In other words, plagiarism of Cliff Notes, Spark Notes,
etc. will not be tolerated!
___ D. In answering the chosen essay question/prompt, the response is appropriately focused,
coherent and logical
IV.
Grammar and Mechanics (15 pts.)
___ A. The essay is written in complete sentences with no fragments or run-ons
___ B. The essay has no errors in tense, agreement, or pronoun usage
___ C. The essay has no problems with punctuation (commas, quotation marks, semi-colons,
etc.)
___ D. The essay has no errors in capitalization
Spelling (10 pts.)
___ A. The essay has no errors in spelling or in correct vocabulary usage
___ B. The essay demonstrates variety and skill in vocabulary usage
1. Any grossly inadequate criteria may deem the essay a failure or an incomplete grade.
2. The essay is due on the first day of scheduled classes; therefore, for every day the paper is late,
one full letter grade shall be deducted