iRubric: AP Analytical Essay rubric

Thesis is vague, unclear, and unpersuasive.

Thesis is specific, debatable, and provable.

Thesis is specific, debatable, provable. It is clear and readable.

Thesis is specific, debatable, provable, compelling. It is clear, concise, and insightful.

The introduction is unfocused and does not include author or title.

There is a clear introduction that includes author and title.

-The introduction introduces the topic as it relates to both the work(s) of literature under consideration and the essay’s central argument. It provides information necessary for understanding why the writer will make this particular argument.
-Includes author and title.

-The introduction "hooks" the reader as it introduces the topic, relating it to both the work(s) of literature under consideration and the essay’s central argument. It provides all the necessary information to explain why the writer will make this particular argument
-Includes author and title (italicized).

Conclusion provides incomplete summary

Conclusion summarizes argument

Conclusion summarizes argument and is moderately successful in pushing the thesis in a new direction

Conclusion draws together the argument's main points and extends the thesis (with a final claim) that offers meaningful insight derived from the analysis.

-Does not provide quotes in every paragraph
-Quotes are not relevant to the thesis.
-Quotes are not introduced.

-Provides quotes in every paragraph, but some may not be relevant to the thesis.
-Quotes are drawn from only limited parts of the text.
-Quotes are not introduced effectively with no attempts at integration.

-Provides relevant quotes in every paragraph to support the central claims of the thesis.
-Quotes drawn from different parts of the text and demonstrate a familiarity with the text as a whole.
-Quotes are introduced effectively and integrated into the writer's prose.

-Provides support for the argument by offering effective and appropriate quotes in every paragraph
-Quotes drawn from different parts of the text and demonstrate a familiarity with the text as a whole.
-Quotes are introduced effectively and integrated well into the writer's prose.

-Simple vocabulary
-excessive use of awkward sentences structure and poor word choice proves distracting to readers

-Simple vocabulary
-Overuse of vague pronouns
-Some awkward sentence structure.

-Expresses ideas clearly and concisely, using appropriate diction.
-Minor flaws in tense or vague pronouns

-Rich, effective use of vocabulary
-Effectively varies sentence structure
-No use of past tense or vague pronouns
-Sentences are clear and structured effectively.