Rubric for Essay #1

The purpose of essay #1 is to analyze a particular facet of the stories we have read using specific details and examples to support the thesis statement  and to demonstrate an ability to write a formal, collegiate essay, written in third person, in MLA format. Minimum Length: 2.5 pages, not to exceed 5 pages (focus on quality, not quantity).  NOTE: If there are any questions regarding what constitutes a half, fold the paper horizontally in the middle. Voila! In other words, “half” does not mean three lines.)

An "A" paper contains exemplary language, correct usage, and insight—these qualities  separate a paper that is exceptional or outstanding from a paper that is very good.

CORRECT MLA FORMAT - 10 pts.

~ Correct header

~ Correct heading

~ Title is in correct placement, font

~ Double spaced

~ Correct margins

Introduction - 10 pts.

~ Interesting/adequate opening introduces topic

~ Makes thesis statement regarding the element to be analyzed

Body Paragraphs [Content and Support]- 30 pts.

~ introduces the stories and authors and supports thesis statement through specific   examples presented in each story

~ contains an implied or explicit topic sentence

Coherence & Unity - 25 pts.

~ information is in a logical, interesting order & sequence

~ no illogical OR unnecessary statements to distract

~ paper is fluent; flows with adequate transitions so that ideas are easily followed

Grammar & Mechanics - 15 pts.

~ At the LEAST, the essay has NO:

                                    misspelled OR misused words

                                    fragments OR comma splices OR run-on sentences

                                    faulty tense shifts

                          pronoun/antecedent errors

                                     vague pronoun references
Please note that Grammar and Mechanics has a bearing on Coherence. 

Conclusion - 10 pts.

 ~ intelligent, relevant, compliments the paper
 ~ leaves reader with positive impression of composition as a whole

Additional Notes:  In addition to the above, one point will be deducted from every homonym or sound alike word used incorrectly in the the essay. Examples:

weather/whether                clothes/closes                      quite/quiet
its/it's                                  salvaged/savaged                definitely/defiantly   
their/there/they're                then/than                             rapped/raped
doing/during                        are/or/our                             where/were
mist/midst                            along/a long                         higher archery/heirarchy

 People who do not know you will judge you on your ability to write correctly; do not be guilty of sentences like:

"I like cooking my family and pets."  [Use commas; don't be a psycho.]

                    

         
[In the event your paper is written so poorly that it causes me to tear out my hair or to bang my head against the wall, I will not be responsible for subsequent smart-ass comments and disdainful rebukes.]