Choice and Correctness     

Motivator      

No motivator provided or motivator does not capture the reader’s attention. No focus on assignment topic. Does not include the text(s), author(s) and/or the key ideas from the assignment topic.

0points

Has some potential to capture reader’s attention. Slight connection to or elaboration on assignment topic. Inaccurately or incompletely indicates the text(s), author(s) and the key ideas from the assignment topic.

1points

Captures reader’s attention. Connection with topic is clear and accurately indicates the text(s), author(s), and the key ideas from the assignment topic.

2points

Blueprint       

Blueprint is absent

0points

Blueprint for body paragraphs is not indicated and/or does not logically develop thesis. Discusses specific details and evidence which should be saved for body paragraphs. Blueprint retells story rather than introduces plan for 3 body paragraphs.

1points

Plan for 3 body paragraphs is somewhat outlined and/or are missing. Connection of blueprint ideas to thesis weak or unclear. Some specific details or evidence which should be saved for the body paragraphs are briefly discussed.

2points

Clearly introduces three body paragraphs’ (bp 1 and 2 about text and bp 3 about personal experience/knowledge) main ideas that logically develop thesis. Does not discuss specific details or evidence.

3points

Thesis 

Thesis is absent

0points

Thesis is, irrelevant, or simply restates the assignment topic and/or does not provide a central insight about the assignment topic. If present, the thesis statement is not the last sentence in the introduction.

1points

Thesis is relevant and straightforward, demonstrating a general comprehension of the literary text(s) and the assignment topic. Thesis may or may not be the last sentence in the introduction.

2points

Thesis is insightful and carefully considered, demonstrating a comprehension of central insight about the text and personal experience/knowledge in relation to the assignment topic. Thesis statement is the last sentence in the introduction.

3points

Choice and Correctness       

Writing demonstrates lack of control of correct sentence construction, usage, grammar, and mechanics. The unclear and incorrect sentence constructions and jarring errors in usage, grammar, and mechanics impede communication. Diction is inaccurate and/or over generalized. The Do’s and Don’ts for the Personal Response have not been applied.

0points

Writing demonstrates basic control of correct sentence construction, usage, grammar, and mechanics; however there are occasional lapses and/or minor errors. Stylistic choices contribute to the creation of a predominantly clear voice. The Do’s and Don’ts for the Personal Response inconsistently applied.

1points

Writing demonstrates confident control of correct sentence construction, usage, grammar, and mechanics. Diction is precise and effective. Stylistic choices contribute to a polished, convincing, and objective voice. The Do’s and Don’ts for the Personal Response have been applied.

2points