Rubric for Critical Analysis Essay
Maximum: 100 points
X 5
INTRODUCTION and There is a well-developed
CONCLUSION introduction with an
(Background History/Thesis attention grabber that
Statement) grabs the reader’s interest
and continues to engage
the reader up until the
thesis statement. The
thesis statement should
clearly state the
experience or event that
will be described as well as
the effect on the writer.
Conclusion should
effectively wraps up and re
stresses the importance of
the thesis.
MAIN POINTS Well developed main
(Body Paragraphs) points/topic sentences
that relate directly to the
thesis. Supporting
examples are concrete and
detailed. The analysis is
developed with an
effective point of view.
ORGANIZATION Logical Progression of
(Structure and Transitions) ideas with a clear structure
that enhances the thesis.
Transitions are effective
and vary throughout the
paragraph, not just in the
topic sentences.
STYLE Writing is smooth, skillful,
(Sentence Flow, Variety, and coherent. Sentences
Diction) are strong and expressive
with varied structure.
Diction is consistent and
words are well chosen.
MECHANICS
(Spelling, Punctuation, Punctuation, spelling, and
Capitalization) capitalization are all
correct. No errors.
Introduction/Conclusion __________
Main Points/Body Paragraphs__________
Organization ___________
Style___________
Mechanics ______________
Total Points: _________x 4= _________/100 Points
4 3 2 Comments
Introduction creates Introduction adequately Background details are
interest. Thesis states explains the a random, unclear
the position. Conclusion background, but may collection of
effectively summarizes lack detail. Thesis states information. Thesis is
the topic. the topic, but key vague and unclear.
elements are missing Conclusion is not
effective and does not
summarize main points.
Three or more main Three or more main Less than three
points relate to the points are present, but ideas/main points are
thesis, but some may lack details in describing explained and/or they
lack details. The analysis the event. Little are poorly developed.
shows events from the descriptive language is The story tells; it
author’s point of view, used. doesn’t show
but could use more
descriptive language.
Logical progression of Organization is clear. Writing is not
ideas. Transitions are Transitions are present organized. The
present throughout the at times, but there is transitions between
essay, but lacks variety. very little variety. ideas are unclear or non
existent.
Writing is clear and Writing is clear, but Writing is confusing and
sentences have varied could use a little more hard to follow. Contains
structure, Diction is sentence variety to fragments and/or run-
consistent. make the writing more on sentences.
interesting.
Punctuation, spelling, There are only a few (3- Distracting errors in
and capitalization are 4) errors in punctuation, punctuation, spelling,
generally correct with spelling, and and capitalization.
few errors (1-2) capitalization.
Positive Comments:__________________________________
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What needs work:____________________________________
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