Rubric for marking Home Language literature essay (Grades 10–12)

CODES AND CONTENT [15] STRUCTURE AND LANGUAGE [10]

MARK Interpretation of topic. Depth of Structure, logical flow and presentation.
ALLOCATION argument, justification and grasp of Language, tone and style used in essay.
prescribed work

Code 7 Outstanding In-depth interpretation of topic, all Outstanding Coherently structured piece
80 to 12 to 15 aspects of topic fully explored 08–10 Excellent introduction and conclusion,
100% marks Excellent response. (90+, outstanding marks Arguments well structured and clearly
response) developed
Range of striking arguments Language, tone and style mature, impressive,
extensively supported from text. correct
Excellent understanding of genre and
prescribed text

Code 6 Meritorious Above average interpretation of topic. Meritorious Essay well structured
70 to 11 marks All aspects of the topic adequately 07 marks Good introduction and conclusion
79% explored Arguments and line of thought easy to follow
Detailed response. Language, tone and style correct and suited to
Range of sound arguments given, well purpose
supported from text. Good presentation
Very good understanding of genre and
text

Code 5 Substantial Shows understanding and has Substantial Clear structure and logical flow of argument
60 – 09 or 10 interpreted topic well. 06 marks Introduction and conclusion and other
69% marks Fairly detailed response to topic paragraphs coherently organized.
Some sound arguments given, but not Flow of argument can be followed.
all of them as well motivated as they Language, tone and style largely correct
could be.
Understanding of genre and text
evident

Code 4 Adequate Fair interpretation of topic, not all
50 – 08 marks aspects explored in detail
59% Some good points in support of topic
Most arguments supported but
evidence is not always convincing.
Basic understanding of genre and text
Adequate Some evidence of structure.
05 marks Essay lacks a well-structured flow of logic and
coherence
Language errors minor, tone and style mostly
appropriate. Paragraphing mostly correct

Code 3 Moderate Very ordinary, mediocre attempt to Moderate Planning in the structure showing signs of
40 – 06 or 07 answer the question 04 marks faultiness, Arguments not logically arranged.
49% marks Very little depth of understanding in Paragraphing faulty.
response to topic Language errors evident. Tone and style not
Arguments not convincing and very little appropriate to the purpose of academic writing
justification from text.
Learner has not fully come to grips with
the genre or text.

Code 2 Elementary Poor grasp of topic Elementary Poor presentation and lack of planned structure
30 – 05 marks Response repetitive and sometimes off 03 marks impedes the flow of the argument
39% the point Language errors and incorrect style makes this
No depth of argument, faulty a largely unsuccessful piece of writing
interpretation / Arguments not
supported from text.
Very poor grasp of text and genre

Code 1 Not Response bears some relation to the Not Difficult to determine if topic has been
0– achieved topic but argument difficult to follow or achieved addressed
29% 0 to 4 marks largely irrelevant 00–02 No evidence of planned structure or logic
Poor attempt at answering the question. marks No paragraphing or coherence.
The few relevant points have no Poor language. Incorrect style and tone
justification from the text.
Very poor grasp of text and genre

© Department of Basic Education, South Africa. From Oxford Practical Teaching English Literature: How to teach Grades 8–12. You may modify,
print and photocopy this document solely for use in your classes.