1. Expectations as Outlined on Rubric
Independent Study
Expectations as Outlined on Rubric

2. Thesis Analytical rather than descriptive (plot summary)
Relevant to the topic
A sophisticated idea
Well structured in a single sentence at the end of the intro
Sustained

3. Organization Point by point: discuss both novels in each paragraph
Topic sentences related to the topic, link to the novels, and state an idea rather than a fact
References organized well to prove thesis
Transitions and links
Relationships between all paragraphs appropriate
Concluding sentences amplify topic sentences
Intro and conclusions contain the necessary elements

4. Evidence
Body paragraphs are well developed: points proven and discussed for both novels
Quotations present for all major points
Quotations relevant to the point
Concrete examples
Good explanation of the significance of the evidence to the argument
Points are important
Evidence gathered from throughout both works
Relevant quotations are well used.

5. Clarity Sentences and paragraphs are clear and precise
Sentences follow clearly from each other
Thoughts expressed gracefully rather than awkwardly
Pronoun references are clear (no orphans)

6. Use of Standard English
Spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, interpolation of quotations are correct
Formal language, no contractions, colloquialism
Sentence variety is sophisticated

7. Rhetorical Effectiveness
Forceful, vigorous language, rhetorical devices
Effective diction
Parallelism
Active voice, and strong verbs
Emphatic introduction and conclusion
Present tense
Third person point of view

8. Scholarly Essay Format
Complete information on top left
Correct and complete pagination
Long and short quotations interpolated and cited correctly
Complete and correct Works Cited page on a separate sheet at the end