Compare and Contrast Essay

Thesis
53 Located in the introductory paragraph. Clear formulation of thesis that demonstrates an
argument.
20 Needs to be strengthened, lacks details. Not clear

Content
2016 The paper compares and contrasts items clearly. The paper points to specific examples to
illustrate the comparison. The paper includes only the information relevant to the
comparison.
1510 The paper compares and contrasts items clearly, but the supporting information is too
general or incomplete. The paper may include information that is not relevant to the
comparison.
90 The paper compares or contrasts, but does not include both. There is no supporting
information or support is incomplete.

Organization
2016 The paper breaks the information into whole-to-whole, similarities -to differences, or point
by point structure. It follows a consistent order when discussing the comparison.
1510 The paper breaks the information into whole-to-whole, similarities -to differences, or point
by point structure, but some information is in the wrong section. Some details are not in a
logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader.
90 Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is
organized.

Vocabulary and Language
107 Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
74 Writer makes a limited number of errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from
the content.
30 Frequent errors in grammar and spelling.

Use of Second Sources
10-8 The sources being used are reliable and integrated into the essay correctly. They support the
main argument.
7-5 The sources are not integrated correctly or they do not offer a strong support to the
argument.
4-0 The sources are irrelevant to the topic and/or unreliable.

MLA
5-3 Times New Roman, Double Space. Parenthetical Citation. Block & Blended Quotations.
Page number. Margins. Work Cited Page
2-0 Neglect of most of the format rules. No Works Cited page.

In Class Work
5 Outline (1) Drafting (2) Peer Review (2).

Bonus: Writing Center ____/4 Final Grade ____/75