IDEAS/Thesis pts Is a purpose for comparison or contrast made clear through either a direct or an implied thesis. Beginning
Thesis is not present or is unclear. Emerging
Thesis is present but is too broad for the essay topic. Proficient
Thesis is present and fits, but the message of the thesis is not clear. Advanced
Thesis is clear and well- written, either explicitly or implicitly. *driven by the student's ideas, noting what the author may mean or intend.
IDEAS/Comparison/Contrast pts Are sufficient examples of BOTH comparison and contrast present and are they appropriate for the paper? Are the points of comparison and contrast useful in proving the thesis? Beginning
Points of comparison are not useful or sufficient, and they are inconsistently developed. Emerging
Some points of comparison are useful and sufficient, and are somewhat developed. Proficient
Most points of comparison are useful and sufficient, and are mostly developed. Advanced
All points of comparison are *useful and sufficient *consistently developed, either point-by-point, or subject-by-subject. *Text citations are abundant throughout the discussion *Proper numbers of quotations are included.
ORGANIZATION/Connections pts Are the things being compared, contrasted, or developed through analogy logically connected to one another. Beginning
The things being compared are not logically connected to one another. Emerging
Some connection between the compared items is shown, but it is not sufficient. Proficient
Connections are present and logical but could be more convincing; do not qualify as excellent. Advanced
Subjects or topics are *logically connected to each other * presented in a clear and appropriate manner.
ORGANIZATION/Logical Order pts Is the pattern of development appropriate for the writer's purpose and the readers' needs. Beginning
The paragraphs within the essay and the essay as a whole are developed in a logical order. Emerging
The writer attempts to develop the essay in a logical order, but some of the essay may be presented in an order readers may find confusing. Proficient
Most of the essay is presented in a logical order, and readers should have little trouble following the comparison. Advanced
The essay is *in a logical order appropriate to the writer's purpose and readers' needs *ordered point-by-point or subject-by- subject. *based on the comparison and contrast *argues the message of the author, according to the student's thesis statement. *Conclusion is the meat of the essay.
ORGANIZATION/Transitions pts Are transitions provided where needed but not overused. Beginning
Transitions are not present or do not effectively direct readers from one example to the next. Emerging
Transitions are present but do not effectively direct readers from one example to the next. They may be basic and/or confusing. Proficient
Transitions are present and direct readers from point to point, though not to the level of excellence. They may be basic and/or confusing. Advanced
Transitions are *present and effectively direct readers from point to point. * Exhibit sophistication on the part of the writer. *transitional phrases depict either comparison or contrast effectively.
CONVENTIONS/Grammar and Mechanics pts Does paper indicate that writer has control of the rules of grammar and mechanics? Beginning
Essay contains many errors, some of which are distracting to the reader. Emerging
Essay contains several errors, which obstruct the flow of reading. Proficient
Essay contains more than two errors, but they are not distracting to the reader. Advanced
Essay contains one or two errors.
CONVENTIONS/Proper citation pts Beginning
Citations within the text are incorrectly punctuated. Emerging
No comment available. Proficient
No comment available. Advanced
Citations are properly punctuated.
WORD CHOICE/Word Usage pts Does writer use vocabulary appropriate to the essay. Beginning
Word usage is informal and/or inappropriate to the essay. Emerging
Word usage is appropriate but lacks sophistication expected in word choice for this essay. Proficient
Word usage is appropriate but does not qualify as excellent. Advanced
*Word usage is appropriate and sophisticated. *Diction includes mature and sophisticated word selection in describing character relationships. *Syntax indicates a variety of sentence types.