Rubric for Literary Criticism

NY / MS / ES
Argue: Build a case for and defend conclusions reached, based in sound logic and valid evidence. / Makes an argument and backs up with relevant evidence and discussion
___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 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 / 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 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 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
Communicate: 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
___Clear Thesis
___Clear Interpretation of Heart of Darkness
___Clear Interpretation of Things Fall Apart / Able to reach a conclusion and anticipate various interpretations and conclusions
___Clear Thesis
___Clear Interpretation of Heart of Darkness, including acknowledgement of other possible interpretations
___Clear Interpretation of Things Fall Apart, including acknowledgement of other possible interpretations