iRubric: Gatsby Literary Analysis rubric

The essay effectively synthesizes the story and the writer's position to defend or challenge the central claim of the Anticipation Guide statement. The cohesive, sustained argument includes 1) a thesis that contextualizes the issue and captures its complexity, 2) support that convincingly connects The Great Gatsby and other resources to the argument, and 3) a conclusion that goes beyond a summary of the thesis by illuminating how the writer's position will continue to influence the reader.

The essay adequately synthesizes the story and the writer's position to defend, challenge, or qualify the central claim of the Anticipation Guide statement. The sound argument includes 1) a straight-forward thesis that briefly contextualizes the issue, 2) support that clearly connects The Great Gatsby to the argument but not other sources, and 3) a conclusion that is a logical yet may be somewhat repetitive of the thesis.

The essay tries to synthesize the story and the writer's position yet inadequately defends, challenges, or qualifies the central claim of the Anticipation Guide statement. The attempted argument includes 1) a weak thesis or one that is lost in a summary of sources, 2) support that paraphrases source material with no commentary or analysis of the writer's position, and 3) a conclusion that returns directly to the attempted thesis or that is missing.

The essay demonstrates a mature style that advances the writer's ideas. Precise diction and skillful use of syntax, with keen attention to varied sentence openings, help to create a convincing voice. Standard writing conventions, including accurate citation of sources, are followed.

The essay demonstrates a style that adequately supports the writer's ideas. Logical diction and syntax, with some attention to varied sentence openings, help to create a suitable voice. Standard writing conventions, including accurate citation of sources, are followed. Errors do not seriously impeded readability.

The essay demonstrates a limited style that ineffectively supports the writer's ideas. Lapses in diction or syntax may not sustain a suitable voice throughout the essay. Sentence openings may be repetitive. Errors in standard writing conventions impede readability and sources may be inaccurately cited.

Includes direct quotations from the novel along with your analysis of these quotes. Quotes show in-depth understanding of the events, characters, the American Dream theme, and the chosen Anticipation Guide statement.

Includes direct quotations from the novel along with some analysis of these quotes. Quotes from show understanding of the events, characters, the American Dream theme, and the chosen Anticipation Guide statement.

Includes indirect quotations from the novel along with some analysis of the ideas. Quotes show minimal understanding of the events, characters, the American Dream theme, and the chosen Anticipation Guide statement.