Essay requirements:
4 pages (1000 words, 1300 words max)
MLA essay format
12 size, Times New Roman Font
Double Spaced
**Thesis**
Microsoft Word Document (No Google Docs, No Pages)
Creative/unique title
Textual evidence to support claims/thesis
Essay Directions:
Student will choose two poems from the ones we have studied in class. For example, a student can select a Shakespearean sonnet and a contemporary poem to compare and contrast the similarities and differences.
Student's thesis will make an assertion about these two poems (an insight you see between the two poems), using textual evidence to support claims, and then explaining what that evidence means in relation to the poems.
Students must take the following into consideration: themes, symbolism, diction, patterns, and literary devices between the two. In taking these elements into perspective, a student is able to analyze the poems and see how the two poems fit together, how they complement each other, how they show differences/similarities in writing style, or how very different they are from one another.
Compare & Contrast Poems
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Compare & Contrast Poems
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Criteria
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Ratings
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Pts
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Purpose & Thesis
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30.0 to >20.0 pts
Excellent
The author's purpose is clear, and the central argument is compelling, well articulated, and supported with evidence and logical reasoning.
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20.0 to >12.0 pts
Pretty Good
The author's purpose is implicit; a central argument is provided; claims are usually supported.
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12.0 to >5.0 pts
Needs Work
The author's purpose is unclear; the central argument is unclear, vague, and/or not stated. Claims are not clearly supported.
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5.0 to >0 pts
Poor
No thesis or direction for paper evident.
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30.0 pts
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Engagement with Sources
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30.0 to >20.0 pts
Excellent
Critical understanding of both texts is demonstrated. The author examines consonances and dissonances between the texts, with clear connections to the focusing question.
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20.0 to >12.0 pts
Pretty Good
Accurate understanding of both texts is demonstrated.The author discusses similarities and differences between the texts in relation to the focusing question.
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12.0 to >5.0 pts
Needs Work
Superficial understanding is demonstrated. The author notes some similarities or differences between the texts.
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5.0 to >0 pts
Poor
The author demonstrates poor understanding of the texts and does not effectively engage the relationships between texts.
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30.0 pts
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Development of Ideas
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30.0 to >20.0 pts
Excellent
The analysis provides fresh insights of the texts. The analysis uses the sources to both support and complicate their argument. The writer challenges readers to look at the texts and their relationship in a new way.
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20.0 to >12.0 pts
Pretty Good
The writer uses the sources to support their argument, the writer guides readers to a deeper understanding of the texts and their relationship.
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12.0 to >5.0 pts
Needs Work
The analysis is unfocused and/or offers only superficial discussions of the texts.
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5.0 to >0 pts
Poor
The analysis is poor because discussion is entirely summative, unfocused, or tangential in nature.
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30.0 pts
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Academic Writing Style
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20.0 to >16.0 pts
Excellent
The writing is appropriately academic in tone/style and is virtually free of grammatical and mechanical errors.
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16.0 to >12.0 pts
Pretty Good
The writing is academic in style and contains only a few grammatical and mechanical errors.
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12.0 to >5.0 pts
Needs Work
The writing style may not be appropriate to academic contexts; it contains numerous, repeated errors.
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5.0 to >0 pts
Poor
The writing style is inappropriate and contains numerous distracting errors.
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20.0 pts
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Paragraphs & Organization
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20.0 to >15.0 pts
Excellent
The paragraphs are structured according to a logical trajectory, clarified by explicit transitions. Sentences build logically and are coherent.
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15.0 to >10.0 pts
Pretty Good
Paragraphs are generally cohesive and coherent, with minor lapses. Some paragraphs may lack clear transitions to pull it together.
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10.0 to >5.0 pts
Needs Work
Paragraphs are not quite cohesive and coherent. There are major gaps and weak or unclear transitions make the essay difficult to follow at times.
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5.0 to >0 pts
Poor
The essay's structure jumps around, leaving the audience confused.
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20.0 pts
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MLA
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20.0 pts
Full Marks
Student follows all MLA guidelines for citation and references with no virtually errors.
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15.0 pts
Pretty Good
Student follows MLA guidelines for citation and references with few major errors.
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10.0 pts
Needs Work
Student neglects MLA guidelines for citation and references. There are numerous errors.
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5.0 pts
Poor
Student fails to provide documentation for sources.
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20.0 pts
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Total Points: 150.0
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