In “Good Times,” the main character, Rashid, can be described as an impetuous man whose good intentions usually lead to disastrous results. Write an essay that analyzes the ways in which Rashid’s good intentions lead to bad results

Literary Analysis Rubric

Total Points Earned by Student: _____ (See comments within the essay)

Criteria and

Points Earned by

Student

Outstanding Exceeds

Expectations

Meets Expectations Approaching

Expectations

Unacceptable

Thesis Statement

Points

Clear thesis with three parallel points that address the prompt

5 out of 5 Points

Thesis presents

reasonable thoughts,

is clear and focused

4 out of 5 Points

Thesis is a plausible,

contains a legitimate

assertion, but is somewhat broad and basic

3 out of 5 Points

Thesis demonstrates

misunderstanding of the

essay prompt or text

2 out of 5 Points

Thesis not evident; thesis is a

fact or plot summary; thesis

not in correct position

1 out of 5 Points

Content: Introduction

Points

Introduction grabs

attention and provides meaningful

context to a

literary analysis

15 out of 15 points

Introduction sparks

some interest and effectively introduces

the reader to the

content of the essay

12 out of 15 points

Introduction provides

context for the literary analysis but lacks

substance

9 out of 15 points

Introduction does not

flow with the rest of the essay, contains

blanket or vague

statements; needs development to be

effective

6 out of 15 points

No introduction

3 out of 15 points

Content: Conclusion

Points

Conclusion

effectively restates

thesis; fresh language and

meaningful insight

leaves reader wanting more

10 out of 10 points

Conclusion restates

Thesis; uses new

language and shows understanding of the

big picture

8 out of 10 points

Conclusion restates

thesis, but recycles

previous statements verbatim

6 out of 10 points

Conclusion does not

flow with the thesis of

the paper, contains blanket or vague

statements; needs

development to be effective

4 out of 10 points

No conclusion

2 out of 10 points

Organization: Topic Sentences, Supporting

details, and Transitions

Points

Topic sentences and supporting details contribute to the highly organized and analytical paper with coherent and unified paragraphs

15 out of 15 points

Topic sentences and supporting details articulate precise analysis; linked to thesis with details and examples or supportive ideas

12 out of 15 points

Topic sentences and supporting details make assertions connected to the thesis; however, ideas are not substantial; paragraphs are somewhat coherent or unified

9 out of 15 points

Topic sentences are not linked to the thesis and show misunderstanding of essay prompt or text; paragraphs are incoherent and lack unity.

6 out of 15 points

Topic sentences are not evident; topic sentences are facts or summaries; topic sentences and supporting details lack cohesion and coherence

3 out of 15 points

Logic and Reasoning: Evidence

Points

Most of the evidence is highly persuasive and effective in supporting the thesis

5 out of 5 Points

Evidence is convincing, a few assertions may lack specific examples but are connected to the thesis

4 out of 5 Points

Evidence is superficial

3 out of 5 Points

Evidence chosen does not support thesis/topic sentences; textual evidence is irrelevant

2 out of 5 Points

Little or no Evidence; simply a plot summary;

1 out of 5 Points

Logic and Reasoning: Commentary

Points

Evidence of critical thinking; displays sound logic and reasoning, and dispels rudimentary or simplistic ideas; goes beyond obvious and basic commentary

5 out of 5 Points

Logical ideas; reasoning may be sound, but lacks smoothness; ideas may not be displayed in an analytical or critical manner

4 out of 5 Points

Ideas are illogical or are not fully developed; essay displays rudimentary or simplistic ideas

3 out of 5 Points

Ideas lack development; misunderstanding of prompt or text; illogical perspectives

2 out of 5 Points

Analysis does not address the prompt; essay is extremely disorganized; essay contains incoherent paragraphs

1 out of 5 Points

Expression: Style,

Vocabulary

Points

Sophisticated vocabulary; sentence variety; appropriate for the intended audience; quotations are smoothly blended

15 out of 15 points

Effectively blends direct quotation with explanatory/signal words and phrases to introduce the quotation and facilitate narrative flow; still attempting advanced vocabulary

12 out of 15 points

Blends quoted material smoothly; but sentence structure lacks variety; attempts to incorporate more advanced vocabulary

9 out of 15 points

Problems with sentence clarity, redundancy; some quotes stand alone; some vague sentences; little use of advanced vocabulary or sentence variety

6 out of 15 points

Serious problems with coherence and sentence clarity; most sentences need revision; most quotes stand alone and lack introduction/ connection to the paper

3 out of 15 points

Grammar and

Mechanics

Points

Demonstrates mastery of grammar and mechanics

30 out of 30 points

Does not contain major spelling, punctuation, or typographical errors; few sentence errors; effective punctuation

25 out of 30 points

Minor problems with coherence, grammar, spelling, punctuation, but does not interfere with the understanding of paper

20 out of 30 points

Several distracting problems with spelling, grammar, punctuation, coherence; incorrect in- text citations and Works Cited page

15 out of 30 points

Major spelling, grammar, punctuation errors; distracts and interferes with understanding of paper; citations nonexistent

10 out of 30 points