Tim Burton Style Analysis Essay Rubric
Scoring Criteria Exemplary
Ideas The writer insightfully
Up to 25 pts identifies and analyzes
Burton’s stylistic
techniques employing
textual support from
multiple films.
The analysis displays an
in-depth understanding of
how Burton achieves his
intended effect on the
audience.
Organization The essay is multi-
Up to 15 pts paragraphed and logically
organized to enhance the
reader’s understanding.
It includes an innovative
introduction with an
insightful lead or hook and
strong thesis, coherent
body paragraphs, and a
perceptive conclusion.
Effective transitions exist
throughout and add to the
essay’s coherence.
Use of Language Diction is appropriate for
Up to 15 pts an academic audience. The
essay demonstrates a
sophisticated use of
terminology to
knowledgeably discuss
film.
Conventions Writing is virtually error-
Up to 15 pts free.
Evidence of Writing There is extensive
Process evidence that the essay
reflects the various stages
Up to 15 pts
of the writing process.
Formatting Essay includes all proper
Up to 15 pts font, heading, and
formatting.
Proficient
The writer clearly
identifies and describes
Burton’s stylistic
techniques using support
from more than one film.
The analysis displays a
clear understanding of
how Burton achieves his
intended effect on the
audience.
The essay is multi-
paragraphed and
organized.
It includes an introduction,
with a lead or hook and
clear thesis, detailed body
paragraphs and a
conclusion.
Transitions create
coherence.
Diction is mostly
appropriate for an
academic essay. The essay
demonstrates a basic use
of terminology to discuss
film.
Writing is generally error-
free.
There is evidence that the
essay reflects stages of the
writing process.
Essay includes most
proper font, heading, and
formatting.
Emerging
The writer demonstrates a
limited understanding of
Burton’s stylistic
techniques; support is
insufficient or inaccurate.
The analysis displays a
misunderstanding of how
Burton achieves the
intended effect on the
audience and/or may be
replaced with plot
summary.
Organization is attempted
by key components are
lacking.
It may include an
introduction with an
unfocused thesis,
undeveloped body
paragraphs, and/or
inadequate conclusion.
Transitions, if attempted,
do little to create
coherence.
Diction is informal or
inappropriate for an
academic essay. The essay
may demonstrate limited
or inaccurate use of
terminology to discuss
film.
Writing contains errors
that distract from meaning.
There is little or no
evidence that the essay has
undergone stages of the
writing process.
Essay does not include
proper font, heading, and
formatting.