Directions: Use the Boxes to Check-Off All Parts of Your Essay

Essay Checklist / Rubric

Directions: Use the boxes to check-off all parts of your essay.

Part I – Cover page

1. Includes the following

• title of the essay
• your name
• class period
• date

Part II - Format:

• introduction
• body paragraphs
• conclusion

1. Introduction

-Uses one of strategies:

• Direct statement of fact
• A statement intended to startle the reader with its bluntness or frankness
• A question or series of questions
• An authentic illustrative anecdote
• An analogy

-Contains the thesis statement

2. Body paragraphs contain the following:

• claim/topic sentence (includes conflict and character)
• data – includes context and quote
• quotes are properly cited “The disease had sharpened my senses—not destroyed—not dulled them”(265).
• warrant – analysis of how the data works to support the claim; make sure you are true to the prompt—that you focus on how the characters and conflict connect to the theme.

3. Conclusion

-Uses one of the following strategies

• Make a useful analogy or comparison
• Suggest specific actions that the reader should take in light of the information you’ve provided
• Speculate about what your thesis implies for the future
• Make a brief remark that sums up your feelings.

Part III – Conventions

1. Correct spelling

2. Standard English usage (correct grammar)

3. Correct punctuation

Rubric for Essay

Content – 50

• The introduction is engaging and contains a clearly written thesis statement
• Each body paragraph of the essay identifies a specific conflict and explains what it reveals about a character.
• Quotes and specific details from the text are included in each body paragraph.
• The warrant portion of each body paragraph contains true analysis and not just plot summary or vague explanations.
• Conclusion uses one of the methods included in the packet and reinforces the thesis statement without repeating it.

Structure - 25

• Essay contains 5 paragraphs including an introduction, body and conclusion
• Body paragraphs are written using claim, data, and warrant
• Quotes are correctly written and cited.

Conventions - 25

• There are no spelling or punctuation errors.
• Sentences are clear and correct. No run-ons or fragments.
• Essay is typed in 12 point font and double spaced with all paragraphs indented.
• Essay includes cover page.

Overall score ______/ 100

Explanation of why you scored yourself as you did: ______