Criteria

Superior

Strong

Competent

Weak

Shows engagement
with
ideas in text by
choosing appropriate
quotations, but may
lack sufficient
analysis.
Inconsistently
employs concepts
and methods of
rhetorical analysis
and/or may
incorrectly apply
these strategies in
her/his analysis.
Analysis diverges
from the rhetorical
aspects of text.
Follows the Three Cs
sporadically but
shows an attempt;
structure may lack
development,
transitions, or clear
topic sentences.
Effective use of sources
to support and enhance
thesis; most quotations
well integrated and
cited properly. Some
quotes and paraphrases
are explained and
adequately analyzed.

Quotations may not be

appropriate for
analysis; analysis
skims surface or may
not relate to purpose
of the assignment.
Rarely employs
methods and
concepts from this
unit and/or diverges
too heavily from the
rhetorical aspects of
text.

Analytical
Engagement
with Text
(20)

19

Student makes a clear interpretation of

the book and evaluative claim using
the form of Claim because Reasons.
Student effectively employs concepts
of analyzing texts (Thesis/Topic, Intent,
Bias, Audience, Literary devices,
persuasive appeals, evidence, and
reasoning). Focuses discussion on
topics from prompt to evaluate and
interpret the text. Supports claims with
textual and contextual references. The
analysis is sophisticated, fresh and
exciting, posing new ways to think of
the material.

Thoughtfully engages with

ideas presented in text.
Takes some chances.
Needs to stretch analysis a
bit further. Employs
concepts and methods of
rhetorical analysis
effectively and mostly
focuses on rhetorical
aspects of text.

Organization
and Unity
(20)

19

Follows the Three CCoherent,

Connected, and Compelling
throughout; developed logical
structure, sophisticated transitions,
coherent.

Mostly follows the Three

Cs; developed logical
structure but may lack
transitions or clear
topic sentences.

Using Sources
(20)

20

Effective use of sources to support and

enhance thesis; all quotations well
integrated and cited properly. All
paraphrases cited. All quotes and
paraphrases are explained and
analyzed.

Effective use of sources to

support and enhance thesis;
the majority of quotations
and paraphrases well
integrated and cited properly.
Almost all the quotes and
paraphrases are unpacked
and contextualized.

Writing
Workshop and
Revision
(20)

20

Significant growth from draft

to draft; avid participation in
workshops and peer review.

Ample revisions. Good

participation in workshops
and peer review.

Moderate revisions.
Average participation in
workshops or peer
review.

Grammar,
Mechanics,Spel
ling, etc. (20)

17

Exceptional command of
language other surface
features of text. Correct

Strong command of
language and other surface
features. Some minimal
errors; citation style often

Problems in language
usage and other surface
features. Several errors

Rarely, if ever, follows

the Three Cs; includes
confusing or unclear
transitions and topic
sentences.
Information from
sources not used to
support the thesis;
some quotations are
cited properly. Few
quotes are integrated
properly. Few quotes
and paraphrases are
explained and analyzed
or are done poorly.
Few notable changes
b/w drafts.
Unmotivated
participation in peer
review and workshops.
Distracting surface
errors. Citations often
excluded or incorrect.

Does not meet

Requirements
Analysis fails to offer
insight into
effectiveness of text
for authors purpose
and situation.
Student does not
apply
methods/concepts of
rhetorical analysis
from this unit and
does not focus on
rhetorical aspects of
text.

Reader has to work too

hard to make
connections due to
absence of
transitions &
paragraph
organization.
Information from
sources generally does
not support and
enhance thesis;
quotations are not well
integrated and cited
properly. Little to no
analysis and
explanation of quotes
and paraphrases.
No clear effort in
revising the essay. Did
not participate in peer
review or workshops.
Did you proofread? No
in text citations and/or
works cited page.

citation style.
Total

95

used correctly.

in citation style and

punctuation.