Project

English 12 Critical Analysis Term Paper

Requirements

3-4 full typed pages in MLA format (see myWCS or Purdue’s OWL site)

4 – 5 critical sources (book is included as a source)

Use of parenthetical references and a Works Cited page

Project dates

3/5 (Friday) – Working thesis and Works Cited with evaluations due to

Turnitin.com. 16 points

3/23 (Tuesday) – First draft due (submit to Turnitin.com). 20 points

4/16 (Thursday) – Final draft due (Submit to Turnitin.com). 64 points

Research

• The book used on the Evaluative Essay Project last semester is the book you will use for

this paper.

• Sources may be books, articles, or credible internet sources.

o An internet source is not an online encyclopedia, moderated discussion

boards, or student blogs/vlogs

o Keep accurate research notes and evaluations on all the research done.

Written evaluations will be due with the Works Cited page to determine

their use to your paper’s thesis

o Use Purdue’s OWL site for correctly formatting a source for the

Works Cited page.

Writing

• The first draft will be checked by peer editing as well as the teacher. It is not a

“rough draft”; you are expected to have a critical analysis paper that meets all

requirements for this draft. You will receive a grade for this draft.

• From all you read, draw your own conclusions about which positions you believe to

be correct or the one with which you agree. Provide reasons for your conclusion.

• You should use quotes sparingly in an analytical paper. The quotes you do use

should only be used to support your analysis of the text.

• For this paper, you should not use first or second person pronouns (except in

quotes taken from the text). Third person pronouns are true to this type of

academic writing and should be used.

Critical Analysis Paper Rubric

Student Name: __________________________ Teacher Name: __________________________

Yes Test: You must receive all “yeses” for your paper to be scored. Any “no” will stop the process.

Yes No Basic Requirement

1. Paper typed

2. Thesis clearly stated in intro and referenced in the conclusion

3. Correct documentation style used in text

4. Citing evident

5. 4 sources used (including novel)

6. Works Cited/Bibliography or References accurate and correctly formatted

7. Paper written in 3rd person; content not personal essay but non-biased research

8. Paper meets minimum length standard (3-4 full pages, excluding title and Works

Cited/Bibliography or References)

9. Evidence of consistent and conscientious editing

4—Clearly a knowledgeable, practiced, skilled pattern

3—Evidence of a developing pattern

2—Superficial, random, limited consistencies

1—Unacceptable skill application

Use of Sources

Skill application demonstrates use which represents → 4 3 2 1

Researched information appropriately documented

Sources on Works Cited/Bibliography or References accurately match sources cited

within the text

Demonstrates use of paraphrasing, direct, and indirect quotations

Researched literary criticism connects to the thesis

_______/16

Content/Organization

Skill application demonstrates use which represents → 4 3 2 1

Introduction engaging and clearly defines thesis

Thesis clearly articulates judicious, insightful opinion of work

Selection of critical views connecting to thesis is clarifying, exploring, explaining,

developing

Understanding of critics’ views is articulated

Insightful detection and articulation of comparisons/contrasts of critics’ views

Mixture of personal voice interwoven with research (commentary)

Conclusion thoughtful, engaging, and clear

_______/28

Mechanics/Organization

Skill application demonstrates use which represents → 4 3 2 1

Usage/Grammar

Follows MLA formatting guidelines (includes page numbering)

Text organization flows sensibly and smoothly with focus on single part of novel

Correct paragraphing

Written in formal style (no contractions, personal pronouns, slang, etc.)

_______/20

Comments:

Total Score: ________/64 Total Percentage: _________%