Independent Reading Rhetorical Analysis Essay Rubric

A HIGH SCORING PAPER:

·         Understands and answers the essay prompt

·         Identifies and analyzes rhetorical devices and stylistic elements

·         Cites specific references to the text

·         Illustrates and supports points being made

·         Is clear, well organized and coherent

·         Reflects the ability to manipulate language at an advanced level

·         Contains, if any, minor errors/flaws

A MID-RANGE ESSAY:

·         Refers accurately to the prompt

·         Refers accurately to the rhetorical devices and stylistic elements in the text

·         Provides a less thorough analysis of these strategies/devices than a high scoring paper.

·         Is less adept at linking techniques to the purpose of the passage May rely on generalizations and sketchy analysis, or be sidetracked by plot.  References may be limited or simplistic.

·         Demonstrates writing that is adequate to convey the writer’s intent

·         Contains some errors/flaws

A LOW-RANGE ESSAY:

·         Does not respond adequately to the prompt

·         Demonstrates insufficient and/or inaccurate understanding of the text

·         Demonstrates weak control of rhetorical strategies/stylistic elements

·         May do no more than paraphrase selections from the text, rather than analyze them.

·         May no more than summarize selected passages.

·         Shows a major lack of understanding and control.  May indicate severe writing problems.