30.0ptsExcellent • The essay provides a sophisticated and nuanced textual analysis arguing a unique and interesting interpretation of a major theme in the selected episode/s. • The thesis of the piece is original, analytical, and goes deeper than simple summary of the texts • The essay demonstrates a close, analytical reading of the texts and uses relevant quotes or examples from the primary texts • The essay is of appropriate length, depth, and complexity (4-5 pages approximately) |
25.0ptsACCOMPLISHED • The piece is a sound textual analysis arguing a cogent interpretation of the episode. • The thesis of the piece is clearly stated, analytical and goes beyond simple summary. The thesis may benefit from a slightly more precise focus. • The essay mostly demonstrates a close, analytical reading of the texts and uses relevant quotes or examples from the primary texts. Some additional text evidence may be needed • The essay is of appropriate length, depth, and complexity (4-pages minimum) |
20.0ptsADEQUATE: • The piece is offers a general textual analysis arguing a basic interpretation of the episode • The thesis states the main topic of the essay, but may either over-generalize, or is so specific that the supporting evidence will be extremely limited. • The essay demonstrates some degree of a close, analytical reading of the texts. Some support is provided from the primary texts, but at times this may be disconnected from the thesis • The essay meets or is close to the appropriate length, depth, and complexity (4-pages minimum) |
15.0ptsDEVELOPING: • The piece is working toward textual analysis and interpretation. The focus may be less specific than the guidelines call for. • The thesis states states a main idea, but opinion but is too generic to get a clear sense of the writer's point. • The essay relies more on a summary of the text than on an analysis or interpretation. More support is needed from the text, or the quotes and evidence need to be more clearly linked to the analysis of the theme • The essay may be short of the requirements for length, depth, and complexity |
10.0ptsSTRUGGLING: • The essay does not fulfill the basic guidelines for the assignment and lacks a clear analysis. • The thesis cannot be clearly identified • Text evidence and support is not adequate to develop the essay • The essay only meets half of the minimum page requirement or less |