Analytical Essay Rubric
Here's the rubric I used for the Analytical Essay in the Why do we collect things? unit.
| Criterion | Below Basic | Basic | Proficient | Advanced |
| Analysis | Your paper does not meet the guidelines of Basic. You will receive individual feedback, and should plan to meet with me. | You have the outlines of an analytical essay, but may not have a clear central purpose, may lack clear literary elements, or the relationship between elements and meaning may be tenuous. | Your paper explains how two literary elements each contribute to a plausible central purpose. Your central purpose and each of your literary elements is well-defined. Each body paragraph explains how one literary element is related to the novel's central purpose. | AND The paper is more than the sum of its parts. Through your introduction and conclusion it is clear why these literary elements are useful ways to think about the novel. You explain how the elements support each other to create meaning. |
| Evidence | Your paper does not meet the guidelines of Basic. You will receive individual feedback, and should plan to meet with me. | The essay uses quotations, but they are chosen poorly or used awkwardly. At times, it is unclear what point you are trying to make with your quotations. | The essay refers to the text frequently and use textual evidence to back up your points, and you do not make claims about the text without supporting them textually. You put quotations in context before you use them, and explicitly explain how they are an example of a literary element and how, as this literary element, they help achieve the central purpose. | AND each quotation adds to your overall argument for how literary elements help achieve the central purpose. You do not attempt to discuss the entire text, but you do consistently focus on important passages. |
| Reading | Your paper does not meet the guidelines of Basic. You will receive individual feedback, and should plan to meet with me. | The essay shows an incomplete understanding of the novel. Your analysis of passages lacks awareness of context, or you may misunderstand their significance. | The essay shows a comprehensive understanding of the novel. Your analysis of passages remains focused on the specifics while using them to make a plausible argument for the meaning of the text as a whole. | AND the essay achieves voice: The ideas presented are nuanced and reveal a personal engagement with the text. |
You can download the attached file and import it into your Turnitin.com rubric library.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Analytical.rub | 4.31 KB |