Format and Conventions
_____ Essay was turned in on time and submitted (with drafts) in a pocket folder.
_____ Essay is word-processed, includes self-evaluation, and follows conventions outlined
in handout
(double-spaced,
name and date on page one, and so on).
Content, Organization, Development, and Style
_____ Introductory paragraph identifies the author and title of each work, suggests
the basic approaches to be taken in the
analysis,
and offers some indication of the purpose of this analysis.
_____ Essay is written consistently in the present tense and avoids needless use of
"I."
_____ Each body paragraph begins with a focused topic sentence that identifies a main
point related to the thesis.
_____ Body paragraphs consistently avoid needlessly summarizing the story or stories.
_____ Main points are consistently supported with specific evidence.
_____ Quotations are brief and clearly appropriate.
_____ Each quotation is accompanied by relevant commentary ("so what?").
_____ Essay responds directly to the assigned topic, avoiding repetition and attending to
established guidelines.
_____ Observations throughout the essay are consistently insightful and clearly
expressed--building on some of the ideas
raised
in class discussions but not limited to those ideas.
_____ Smooth transitions are provided
throughout the essay, giving it a clear sense of building toward a conclusion.
_____ Conclusion effectively draws together the main points of the essay without relying
on needless repetition.
_____ Organization is clear, logical, and sound without being formulaic.
_____ Sentences have been effectively revised for clarity, variety, and conciseness.
_____ Word choice is generally precise and appropriate.
_____ Essay successfully avoids the
vague use of "this."
_____ Paper is free of major errors (run-ons, fragments, reference, verb faults).
_____ Paper is free of distracting errors (grammar, punctuation, spelling).