Rubric Basics

Focus Pictures of ducks

Focus Addresses all aspects of prompt appropriately maintains a strongly developed focus. Look for: *Thesis statement gives a basic answer to the question in the prompt. (3 elements in the 3 stories that address a specific, common theme). *Every part of the paper is supporting some part of the thesis.

Lifting weights Running a steady pace

Controlling Idea Establishes a strong controlling idea with a clear purpose maintained throughout the response. Look fors: *Has a strong thesis statement *Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence that connects to the thesis. (mentions a specific element and connects it to the theme. *Each example and each piece of commentary supports the thesis in some way. (example of a literary element and how it supports the common theme).

Reading/ Research Accurately presents information relevant to all parts of the prompt with effective selection of sources and details from reading materials. Look for: Look for: Each example helps answer the prompt. (evidence of literary elements that develop a common theme). Each example is accurate (it actually is the literary element you say it is.) There is enough textual evidence to strongly support your point.{ 2 to 4 pieces (direct or indirect quotes) per paragraph}

Development Presents thorough and detailed information to strongly support the focus and controlling idea. Look fors: Each example is followed by enough commentary to explain how that example helps answer the thesis. (1-2 sentences of commentary after every example).

Organization Maintains an organizational structure that intentionally and effectively enhances the presentation of information as required by the specific prompt. Look fors: Paper is organized into paragraphs Thesis Statement that is correctly formatted and is in the last sentence of the first paragraph. Topic sentences at the beginning of each body paragraph. Transitions between the body paragraphs. Transitions between pieces of textual evidence within a paragraph. Order of the paragraphs match order of thesis. Transitions used highlight the purpose of the prompt (comparison transitions used).

Organization Manipulatives on smartboard.

Organization Transition words: Comparison/contrast order. Words used in expository writing to signal similarities and differences. Ex. (for similarities) also, additionally, just as, as if, as though, like, and similarly; and (for differences) but, yet, only, although, whereas, in contrast, conversely, however, on the other hand, rather, instead, in spite of, and nevertheless.

Conventions Demonstrates and maintains a well-developed command of standard English conventions and cohesion, with few errors. Response includes language and tone consistently appropriate to the audience, purpose, and specific requirements of the prompt. Consistently cites sources using an appropriate format.

Conventions Demonstrates and maintains a well-developed command of standard English conventions and cohesion, with few errors. Look for: Look for: No capitalization errors. No fragmented sentences. No run-on sentences. Commas, semi colons, and colons are used correctly. Quotes are properly embedded. No spelling errors.

Conventions Response includes language and tone consistently appropriate to the audience, purpose, and specific requirements of the prompt. Look fors: No personal pronouns More academic vocabulary Tone is scholarly instead of conversational

Conventions Consistently cites sources using an appropriate format. Look for: Look for: Uses in-text citations (Collins 11) after every piece of textual evidence or info from an outside source. Includes a bibliography page that follows the MLA format.

Content Understanding Integrates relevant and accurate disciplinary content with thorough explanations that demonstrate in-depth understanding. Look for: Look for: Examples are accurate (literary elements are correctly identified in each example). Your explanations show that you really get how the examples show your theme.