You will turn in a response paper that analyzes one of the works in our textbook that is not on our reading list. This can be from any era, but it must be in your textbook. You should follow the same

Deficient (0)

Developing (12)

Satisfactory (14)

Good (16)

Excellent (20)

Intro Paragraph / Thesis

Fails to fulfill the requirements of the assignment.

Thesis provides a plot summary and/or obvious statement rather than an analytical argument. Opening may be poorly developed and/or lack important foundational details.

Essay's purpose is evident but may need strengthening in its analytical depth. The introduction may not provide appropriate context or properly reference the title and author.

Thesis is generally clear and concise and offers a good basis for analysis. The thesis demonstrates a good grasp of the material and a solid foundation of analytical thinking about the topic. The introduction provides appropriate context and properly references the title and author.

Thesis is clear and concise and offers a specific, provable, original idea to be analyzed. The thesis demonstrates critical, analytical thinking about the topic. The introduction provides effective context and properly references the title and author.

Development

Fails to fulfill the requirements of the assignment.

Evidence is general or irrelevant to the argument. Transitions are missing or ineffective. Paragraphs may be significantly quote-heavy.

Paragraph details sometimes connect to the thesis but may also be unclear. Evidence and/or transitions may need clarification. Ideas may not always connect to the thesis. Paragraphs do not offer an appropriate balance of quotes and writer's analysis.

Paragraph details are specific and generally connect to the thesis but may need clarification in places. Evidence is generally well-chosen and transitions are generally clear. Paragraphs offer an effective balance of quotes and the writer's analysis.

Paragraphs provide specific details that clearly connect to the ideas in the thesis. Each paragraph offers appropriate, well-chosen evidence and transitions. Paragraphs offer an effective balance of quotes and the writer's analysis.

Literary Analysis

Fails to fulfill the requirements of the assignment.

Writing demonstrates some understanding of the details of a text but lacks any critical or analytical details. Essay lacks persuasion and/or focus.

Writing demonstrates basic comprehension of the text, but falls short of critical or analytical understanding. Writing is dominated by summary of plot detail or restatement of evidence rather than drawing meaning. Claims may be generalized, unsupported, or not persuasive.

Writing demonstrates an understanding of the meaning of the text, as well as some evidence of critical thinking. Analysis mostly proves the writer's thesis and explores meaning in the text. Writing is persuasive and effective.

Analysis is deeply connected to the meaning of a text, offering significant evidence of critical thinking. Analysis demonstrates the writer's ability to prove an argumentative thesis and effectively draw conclusions from a text. Writing is persuasive and effective.

Language Style / Voice

Fails to fulfill the requirements of the assignment.

Writer's tone is casual and/or not appropriate for the assignment. Vocabulary choices impede meaning.

Writer's tone may not be sufficiently formal and/or academic. Vocabulary may be simplistic, ineffective, and/or not suitable for the assignment.

Writer's tone is generally academic. Vocabulary choices are effective and appropriate. Phrasing is suitable for the assignment.

Writer's tone is formal and academic. Vocabulary choices enhance the writer's argument and phrasing is sophisticated and appropriate for the assignment.

Grammar & Mechanics

No adherence to MLA guidelines (missing citations, lack of proper format); No Works Cited page; grammar errors significantly impede meaning.

Uses language that sometimes impedes meaning because of errors in usage. Attempts to follow some MLA style rules for formatting and attribution, but falls far short of expectations.

Uses language that generally conveys meaning to readers with clarity, although writing may include some errors.

Follows some MLA style guidelines for formatting and attribution.

Uses straightforward language that generally conveys meaning to readers. The document has few errors.

Demonstrates consistent use of MLA style in formatting and attribution.

Uses graceful language that skillfully communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency, and is virtually error-free.

Demonstrates detailed attention and successful execution of MLA style in formatting and attribution.

Total Score for this Paper