Compare and Contrast two poems

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.

20.0 to >12.0 pts

Pretty Good

The author's purpose is implicit; a central argument is provided; claims are usually supported.

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.

5.0 to >0 pts

Poor

No thesis or direction for paper evident.

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.

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.

12.0 to >5.0 pts

Needs Work

Superficial understanding is demonstrated. The author notes some similarities or differences between the texts.

5.0 to >0 pts

Poor

The author demonstrates poor understanding of the texts and does not effectively engage the relationships between texts.

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.

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.

12.0 to >5.0 pts

Needs Work

The analysis is unfocused and/or offers only superficial discussions of the texts.

5.0 to >0 pts

Poor

The analysis is poor because discussion is entirely summative, unfocused, or tangential in nature.

20.0 to >16.0 pts

Excellent

The writing is appropriately academic in tone/style and is virtually free of grammatical and mechanical errors.

16.0 to >12.0 pts

Pretty Good

The writing is academic in style and contains only a few grammatical and mechanical errors.

12.0 to >5.0 pts

Needs Work

The writing style may not be appropriate to academic contexts; it contains numerous, repeated errors.

5.0 to >0 pts

Poor

The writing style is inappropriate and contains numerous distracting errors.

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.

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.

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.

5.0 to >0 pts

Poor

The essay's structure jumps around, leaving the audience confused.

20.0 pts

Full Marks

Student follows all MLA guidelines for citation and references with no virtually errors.

15.0 pts

Pretty Good

Student follows MLA guidelines for citation and references with few major errors.

10.0 pts

Needs Work

Student neglects MLA guidelines for citation and references. There are numerous errors.

5.0 pts

Poor

Student fails to provide documentation for sources.