GRADING RUBRIC FOR INFORMATIVE TEXT ANALYSIS ESSAY ON THEME
Dr. Son, English IV
Scoring Exceeds Expectations
Criteria
Thematic The thematic focus of the
Focus essay is clear from its
(purpose) and beginning and the thematic
Unity in the discussion clearly links
essay together the texts considered.
The development of the essay
is well controlled by the
thematic focus and
consequently supports the
author’s purpose.
x3 10 9 8
Organization The essay is very well
(order of organized. Whether through
ideas) discussion of similarities or
deliberate focus on contrasts,
a clear rationale is expressed
for the different texts being
considered as thematically
related. The organizational
structure of the essay allows
for a smooth progression and
clear development of ideas.
x2 10 9 8
Text Analysis The essay provides an
writing on excellent analysis of the
Theme thematic development and
focus of two or more texts,
demonstrating a clear under-
standing of the texts being
considered, and noting how
specific details within a text
contribute to its thematic
perspective. Thematic simi-
larities or contrasts between
texts are clearly expressed
with a clear connection to the
essay’s overall purpose.
x3 10 9 8
Presents a The essay meets the mini-
finished mum length requirements.
product The conventions of capitali-
zation, punctuation, spelling,
and grammar are sound
throughout, with almost no
errors. The conventions of
Atlantic Coast High School
Meets Expectations
The thematic focus of the
essay is stated at its
beginning, but the thematic
link between the texts
considered is less clearly
expressed. The develop-
ment of the essay is less
clearly influenced by the
larger thematic discussion.
7 6
The essay is less well
organized. The rationale for
the selection of specific
texts for discussion is less
clear, the thematic
connection is less clearly
expressed. The organiza-
tional structure of the essay
may be lacking in clarity or
appear random in its
progression
7 6
The essay provides an
adequate analysis of the
thematic development and
focus of two or more texts,
demonstrating some under-
standing of the texts being
considered, and making less
specific observations of
how a text’s details contri-
bute to its thematic perspec-
tive. Thematic similarities
or contrasts between texts
are less clearly expressed.
7 6
The essay meets the mini-
mum length requirements.
The conventions of capitali-
zation, punctuation,
spelling, and grammar are
controlled throughout, and
the errors present do not
Does Not Yet Meet
Expectations
The thematic focus of the
essay is unclear and does
not provide a clear link
between the texts
considered. The develop-
ment of the essay appears
to lose sight of its
thematic focus. Unity is
lacking.
5 4 3 2 1
The essay is poorly
organized or altogether
disorganized. The
selection of specific texts
for discussion appears to
be random, the thematic
connection is unclear or
simply unconsidered. The
organizational structure
of the essay has no clear
purpose or aim.
5 4 3 2 1
The essay provides an
inadequate analysis of the
thematic development
and focus of two or more
texts, demonstrating little
understanding of the texts
being considered, and
making few or no specific
observations of how a
text’s details contribute to
its thematic perspective.
Thematic similarities or
contrasts between texts
are not discussed.
5 4 3 2 1
The essay may not meet
the minimum length
requirements. The con-
ventions of capitalization,
punctuation, spelling, and
grammar are uncontrolled
and the errors interfere
 GRADING RUBRIC FOR INFORMATIVE TEXT ANALYSIS ESSAY ON THEME
Dr. Son, English IV Atlantic Coast High School
essay structure (strategic use interfere with meaning. with meaning. The
of paragraphs) is skillfully The conventions of essay structure suggests limited
represented in the writing. structure are adequately command of the conven-
represented in the writing. tions of essay writing.
x2 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1