iRubric: Interpreter of Maladies Compare/Contrast Paper rubric

Thesis is vague, unclear, and unpersuasive.

Thesis is specific, debatable, and provable, but does not clearly articulate what is being compared in the two stories or why, and/or is awkwardly expressed.

Thesis is specific, debatable, provable, and articulates what is being compared in the two stories and why. It is clear and readable.

Thesis is specific, debatable, provable, and effectively articulates what is being compared in the two stories and why. It is clear, concise, and insightful.

The introduction is unfocused and does not include author or title.

-There is a clear introduction that includes author and title.
-offers some explanation for why you're comparing these two stories.

-The introduction is structured like a funnel, leading into the thesis, and providing information necessary for understanding why the writer will make this argument.
-Contains clear 'grounds for comparison' between the two stories
-Clearly articulates the 'frame of reference'
-Includes author and title.

-The introduction "hooks" the reader
-It is structured like a funnel, leading clearly into the thesis, and providing all the necessary information to explain why the writer will make this particular argument.
-Contains effective "grounds for comparison" between the two stories
-Effectively articulates the 'frame of reference'
-Includes author and title (italicized).

-It is difficult to understand the argument because it lacks a clear organizational structure.
-Paragraphs are unfocused and poorly structured

-Paragraphs are arranged with no clear order.
-Some paragraphs lack topic sentences.
-Some paragraphs lack clear focus.

-Paragraphs are set up in a logical order, which helps readers to follow the comparison
-Paragraphs begin with clear topic sentences.
-Paragraphs focus only on one major idea.

-Paragraphs build from smaller to larger claims in a logical order
-Paragraphs begin with effective topic sentences
-Paragraphs focus only on one major idea.
-Paragraphs are consistently ordered either point-by-point or by block.

-Does not provide quotes in every paragraph
-Quotes are not relevant to the thesis.
-Quotes are not introduced.

-Provides quotes in every paragraph, but some may not be relevant to the thesis
-Quotes are drawn from only limited parts of the text.
-Quotes are not introduced effectively with no attempts at integration.

-Provides quotes in every paragraph that support the central claims of the thesis
-Quotes come from different parts of the text.
-Quotes are introduced effectively with some integration into the writer's prose.

-Provides support for the argument by offering effective and appropriate quotes in every paragraph
-Quotes are drawn from different parts of the text to demonstrate an understanding of the narrative as a whole.
-Quotes are introduced effectively and integrated well into the writer's prose.

-Simple vocabulary
-No sentence variety
-Inappropriate stylistic choices

-Simple vocabulary
-little sentence variety
-Overuse of contractions or vague pronouns
-Some errors in structure

-Effective use of vocabulary
-Moderately successful in varying sentence structure
-Minor flaws in usage of contractions, tense, or vague pronouns

-Rich, effective use of vocabulary
-Uses a variety of long and short sentences
-No use of contractions, past tense, or vague pronouns
-Sentences are clear and structured effectively.