Literary Analysis Rubric
Key Traits 5 4
The thesis statement is clear,
focused, and compelling.
The analysis is unusually insightful
and reveals a deep understanding of
IDEAS the literary work.
Significant details, examples, and
quotations from the work support
each key idea. Context provided for
evidence.
The introduction is engaging and
clearly identifies the topic and the
literary work.
The conclusion goes beyond
summarizing the analysis to offer an
enlightening perspective on the topic
ORGANIZATION
being discussed.
Transitional words and phrases are
well crafted and connect ideas.
The organization is thoughtful,
logical, and follows essay form.
The tone and voice are stylistically
sophisticated and clearly appropriate
for purpose and audience.
VOICE
The writing reflects perceptive
engagement with the literary work
being discussed.
Words are vivid, lively, and convey
precise meaning.
WORD CHOICE
Memorable words and phrases
engage the reader and enhance the
writer's argument.
SENTENCE Sentences vary in length and
FLUENCY structure and have a pleasing flow.
Sentence beginnings vary as
appropriate to the topic and style.
The thesis statement is clear and
focused.
The analysis is insightful and reveals
a thorough understanding of the literary
work.
The key ideas are well supported by
relevant details, examples, and
quotations from the work. Context
provided for evidence.
The introduction clearly identifies the
topic and the literary work.
The conclusion summarizes the
analysis and draws a conclusion or
offers an observation on the topic being
discussed.
Transitional words and phrases
clearly show how ideas connect.
The organization is logical and
follows essay form.
The tone and voice are direct and
appropriate for purpose and audience.
The writing reflects active
engagement with the literary work
being discussed.
Words are specific, accurate, and
convey precise meaning.
Words and phrases convey
understanding of the literary work.
Sentences mostly vary in length and
structure.
Sentence beginnings generally vary.
3 2
The thesis statement is identifiable.
The analysis shows an adequate
understanding of the literary work.
Most details, examples, and
quotations from the work are relevant in
supporting key ideas. Context isnt
clear or complete.
The introduction identifies the topic
and the literary work.
The conclusion summarizes the
analysis but only restates what has been
said.
Most of the transitions work, but a
few more are needed.
The organization is logical but may
have occasional inconsistencies.
The tone and voice are acceptable but
not strongly individual or direct.
The writing reflects adequate
engagement with the literary work.
Words are adequate and mostly
correct.
Words and phrases sometimes convey
understanding of the literary work.
Sentences vary somewhat in length
and structure.
Some variety of sentence beginnings
The thesis statement can be inferred
with careful reading.
The analysis of the literary work is
superficial.
Details, examples, and quotations
from the work are overly general or
"filler." Context isnt provided or is
inadequate.
The introduction either does not
clearly present the topic or does not
clearly identify the literary work.
The conclusion summarizes some of
the ideas from the essay.
Some of the transitions work, but
many more are needed.
The organization shows some logic
but often does not follow a consistent
pattern.
The tone and voice are occasionally
inappropriate but are not individual
or direct.
The writing reflects only occasional
engagement with the literary work
being discussed.
Words are often inadequate but are
mostly correct.
Words and phrases show limited
understanding of the literary work.
Sentences do not significantly vary
in structure, and some fragments and
run-on sentences are present.
1
No thesis statement is present.
The analysis consists mostly of a
plot summary.
Details and examples are
unrelated and few quotations are
used. There may be no context for
evidence.
The introduction hints at a
possible literary topic.
The conclusion is identifiable
but skeletal.
Very few transitional words are
used.
The organization shows minimal
logic and does not follow a
consistent pattern.
The tone and voice are often
inappropriate and are not
individual or direct.
The writing rarely reflects
engagement with the literary work
being discussed.
Words are often inadequate and
often incorrect.
Words and phrases rarely show
understanding of the literary
work.
Most sentences have a repetitive
structure, and many fragments and
run-on sentences are present.

Spelling, capitalization, and
punctuation are uniformly correct.
Grammar and usage are correct.
CONVENTIONS
Paragraphing is correct and
reinforces the organization.
Literary Analysis Rubric
Spelling, capitalization, and
punctuation are generally correct.
Grammar and usage have some minor
errors.
Paragraphing is generally correct and
reinforces organization.
is attempted.
Spelling, capitalization, and
punctuation are solid but with some
minor errors.
Grammar and usage do not distort
meaning but are not always correct.
Paragraphing is attempt.
Sentence beginnings are mostly the
same.
Spelling, capitalization, and
punctuation are sometimes uneven.
Grammar and usage are at times
incorrect and distract from meaning.
Paragraphing is occasionally sound.
Sentence beginnings are rarely
different.
Spelling, capitalization, and
punctuation are uneven.
Grammar and usage are often
incorrect.
Paragraphing is irregular or too
frequent.