iRubric: Comparison and Contrast Essay rubric

Thesis is not present or is unclear.

Thesis is present but is too broad for the essay topic.

Thesis is present and fits the technical aspects.(Assumption /Denial, or Conditional), but the message of the thesis is ambiguous.

Thesis is:<BR>
* clear and well- written, either explicitly or implicitly. <BR>
*driven by the student's own system of beliefs, noting what the author may be suggesting by having two different characters juxtaposed

The paragraphs within the essay and the essay as a whole are developed in a logical order.

The writer attempts to develop the essay in a logical order, but some of the essay may be presented in an order readers may find confusing.

Most of the essay is presented in a logical order, and readers should have little trouble following the comparison.

The essay is:<BR>
*in a logical order appropriate to the writer's purpose and readers' needs<BR>
*ordered point-by-point or subject-by-subject. <BR>
*2/3 based on the comparison and contrast<BR>
*1/3 argues the message of the author, according to the student's thesis statement.<BR>
*Conclusion is the meat of the essay.

Points of comparison are not useful or sufficient, and they are inconsistently developed.

Some points of comparison are useful and sufficient, and are somewhat developed.

Most points of comparison are useful and sufficient, and are mostly developed.

All points of comparison are: *useful and sufficient *consistently developed, either point-by-point, or subject-by-subject. <BR>
*Text citations are abundant throughout the character descriptions (5-7/paragraph).

Word usage is informal and/or inappropriate to the essay.

Word usage is appropriate but lacks sophistication expected in word choice for this essay.

Word usage is appropriate but does not qualify as excellent.

*Word usage is appropriate and sophisticated. <BR>
*Diction includes mature and sophisticated<BR>
word selection in describing character relationships. *Syntax indicates a variety of sentence types.