iRubric: Poetry Memorization and Explication Presentation rubric

Recitation is performed word-perfect with no long hesitations or prompts.

Recitation is well performed with few long hesitations and no more than one prompt. No phrases are missed, though a few words may be substituted or transposed.

Recitation requires more than one prompt. Some phrases are missed and some words may be substituted or transposed.

Recitation is not completed.

The student uses pauses and pace effectively to communicate meaning and/or enhance dramatic impact of the poem.

The students uses pauses and pacing to communicate meaning and/or enhance dramatic impact of the poem.

Pauses and pacing were not effective in improving meaning and/or dramatic effect. Pauses at ends of lines rather than at punctuation marks. Delivery is in bursts.

Pauses were not intentionally used. Poetry is choppy and “sing-song.” Delivery is either too quick or too slow. Reads words with no logical grouping.

The presentation has an excellent thesis. The thesis explains the poem in sophisticated terms, demonstrating an excellent understanding of the poem and advancing original thought about the poem and its meaning.

The presentation has a good thesis. The thesis explains the poem in competent terms, demonstrating a good understanding of the poem and advancing original thought about the poem and its meaning.

The presentation has a basic thesis. The thesis explains the poem in basic terms, demonstrating a simplistic understanding of the poem.

The presentation does not have a clear and compelling thesis. The thesis does not explain the poem.

This explication demonstrates a good understanding of the language of poetry (metaphor, meter, symbolism, sound devices). The presentation has an excellent explication of the poem, explaining the meaning of the poem in sophisticated and interesting terms.

This explication demonstrates a good understanding of the language of poetry (metaphor, meter, symbolism, sound devices). The presentation has a good explication of the poem, explaining the meaning of the poem in competent terms. This explication is good overall, but lacks some depth and sophistication.

This explication demonstrates a poor understanding of the language of poetry (metaphor, meter, symbolism, sound devices). The presentation has a poor explication of the poem, explaining the meaning of the poem in basic terms that are sometimes confusing and lack coherence.

The presentation does an unacceptable job of discussing the poem.

This presentation has been proofread and is flawless. There are no errors in grammar or mechanics.

This presentation has been proofread. There are very small errors in grammar and mechanics.

This presentation has been proofread, however, there are errors in grammar and mechanics.

The presentation has so many errors in grammar and mechanics that it lacks fluency.