iRubric: Finding Themes in Literature rubric

The thematic idea is clear and explicitly stated.

Thematic idea is stated.

Thematic idea is unclear, unstated or confusing.

There is no thematic idea stated.

Student thoroughly explores ways in which the identified themes support (or do not support) the story, and how well the author develops and sustains his themes. Several references to the text are used as support.

Student partially explores ways in which identified themes support (or do not support) the story, and the author's handling of his themes. Few references from the text are cited as support.

Student barely explores how theme supports or strengthen the story, or how well the author handles his themes. No concrete citations from the text used as support.

Student doesn't explore a theme at all.

Student analyzes and makes at least three different connections between individuals, ideas, or events in the text with his/her own life, to similar events at other times and places, to people and problems seen in today’s society, and to other literary works.

Student analyzes and makes less than three different connections between individuals, ideas, or events in the text with his/her own life, to similar events at other times and places, to people and problems seen in today’s society, and to other literary works.

Student analyzes and makes less than three different connections (or connections are from the same source) between individuals, ideas, or events in the text with his/her own life, to similar events at other times and places, to people and problems seen in today’s society, and to other literary works.

Student makes no connections to individuals, ideas, or events in the text with his/her own life, to similar events at other times and places, to people and problems seen in today’s society, and to other literary works.

Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. In group, all members share equally in the presentation.

Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a mostly focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. In group, all members share at least some part of the presentation.

Present claims and findings in a mostly focused, coherent manner but with no relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and/or well-chosen details; does not use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. In group, some members do not share at least some part of the presentation.

Presentation does not have any of the required elements; members are obviously not prepared, and/or only one member presents.