COMPARISON RUBRIC

Introduction / Thesis Statement Excellent Very well developed introduction and thesis statement. They engage the reader and create interest. They cover both subjects and the author's point for the comparison or the contrast. (20 Pts) Each paragraph contains a clearly focused topic sentence that relates to the thesis statement. Details in the paragraphs are clear and specific, and there are enough details to create vivid images for a thorough comparison or contrast. The details clearly support the author's point for the comparison/contrast. (20 Pts) The concluding paragraph effectively unifies the essay around the subjects and the point used for comparison or contrast. It contains an engaging and interesting point about the comparison or contrast of the subjects. (10 Pts) The details are in a clear effective order and the author sticks to one pattern: subjectby-subject or point-by point. Both subjects are covered vividly and given about the same amount of space. (15 Pts) Writing is smooth, skillful, and coherent. Sentences are strong and expressive with varied structure. Consistent and appropriate tone and word choice is used throughout the essay. Transitions are appropriate and add to the effectiveness of the essay. (20 Pts) No errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization. (15 Pts) Good Introduction and thesis statement create interest and are fairly well developed. But while they cover both subjects, they are not very engaging. (15 Pts) Fair ( Introduction and thesis statement introduce the subjects for comparison or contrast, but they either do not give accurate and complete information, or they do not emphasize the author's point for the comparison or contrast. (10 Pts) At least one topic sentence is not clear nor does it relate to the thesis statement. There are details, but they are not clear, specific, and vivid, or both subjects are not given roughly the same amount of space. (10 Pts) Poor Introduction and thesis statement do not introduce both subjects for comparison or contrast, or they may not be a complete sentence. No controlling point about the subjects is evident. (5 Pts) There are no apparent topic sentences for each paragraph. Details are either wrong or lacking. No vivid sense language is used. Or the details do not fit the author's point for the comparison/contrast. (5 Pts)

Body Paragraphs Topic Sentences & Supporting Details

Each paragraph contains a topic sentence that relates to the thesis statement. Details are clear and specific, but they do not vividly support the author's point for the comparison/contrast. (15 Pts)

Conclusion

The concluding paragraph unifies the essay around the subjects and the point used for comparison or contrast, but it is not very engaging or interesting. (8 Pts)

The concluding paragraph makes a point about the subjects for comparison or contrast, but it does not unify or "wrap-up" the essay effectively. (6 Pts)

There is no conclusion evident in the essay, or the conclusion is not related to the remainder of the essay. (5 Pts)

Overall Organization Unity & Coherence

The details are in a clear order and the author sticks to one pattern. Both subjects are given roughly the same space. (12 Pts)

Style: sentence flow, and tone 20pts

Writing is clear and sentences have varied structure. There is consistent tone and word choice is appropriate with fairly good use of transitions to guide the reader (15 Pts)

The details are in a discernible order, but the author does not stick to one pattern in the essay, or the details do not adequately support the author's controlling point. (9 Pts) Writing is clear, but sentences may lack variety. The tone is inconsistent and word choice, while adequate, could be better. While transitions are present they do not add to the overall effectiveness of the essay. (10 Pts)

No discernible organization. Details are either missing or not in any discernible order. (6 Pts)

Writing is confusing and hard to follow. Contains fragments and/or runon sentences. The tone and purpose is inconsistent and difficult to determine. Transitions are either missing or inappropriate. (5 Pts)

Mechanics 15pts

A few minor errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, or capitalization, but they do not detract from the overall meaning and effectiveness of the essay. (12 Pts)

A few errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling, and capitalization that. while distracting, the meaning and intent of the essay can still be discerned. (9 Pts)

Distracting and major errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. (6 Pts)