English Essay Writing Rubric

1. Name, Date, Class, Teacher’s Name in upper left corner: 5 points.

John Smith 11/2/06 Third Form English—RDD

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2. Title in regular 12-size font, centered, important words capitalized. NO quotation marks, italics, bold, etc. Craft a pointed, engaging, and succinct title: 5 points.

e.g. Like Father, Like Son

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3. First sentence, interesting and including author, title, and main topic: 5 points.

In The Odyssey, Homer builds the essential bond between Telemachus and Odysseus through introducing them as men connected by situation and character.

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4. Thesis paragraph continues. It offers three sentences that could act as topic sentences for each of the body paragraphs and ends with the thesis statement: 15 points. # 2—Both Odysseus and Telemachus first appear in the narrative as isolated, powerless, and grieving for each other. #3—They both receive divine assistance and encouragement… #4—Finally, father and son reveal their heroic qualities as they set off in search of one another.

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5. Three supporting body paragraphs, each with textual proof: 10 points each paragraph.

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6. Quotations properly introduced, worked into writer’s prose, and connected to the thesis: 10 points. Use short quotations, preferably phrases, which you weave into your own prose. Document quotations from The Odyssey by book and line (I,2-6). >

Telemachus, “heart obsessed with grief,” sits in his hall watching the suitors devour his food while Odysseus sits “on the headland…weeping…for his foiled journey home.” (Homer, I, 133; V, 168-9).

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7. Check spelling of each word in addition to using the computer’s spelling and grammar tool: 3 points off for each misspelled word, typo, error in citing quotations, and gross grammatical mistakes*.

8. Coherent, thoughtful, well organized argument: 15 points.

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9. Fluent, memorable style: 15 points.

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*gross grammatical errors: • Comma fault (including comma splice) • Lack of pronoun reference • Tense inconsistency • Improper punctuation or capitalization: When i write essays I sometimes Make mistakes. • Inappropriate diction (e.g. slang expressions)

Remember to use active voice verbs rather than passive voice or weak verbs such as “to be,” “there is/are,” or “got.” Passive: A meeting was being held by Big Nurse. Active: Big Nurse held a meeting.