iRubric: Novel Analysis Essay Rubric

• Focus on topic is not clearly defined.
• Limited or disconnected details show a lack of understanding.
• Approach is common.
* No connections or insights made in essay

• Focus on topic is somewhat defined.
• Underdeveloped details show little knowledge and are too general to create a picture.
• Fresh approach to topic is attempted yet lacks support which will aid the reader’s understanding

• Focus on topic is clear.
• Sufficient details create a picture showing some knowledge and insight.
• Fresh approach adds to the readers understanding and some good insights are made

• Focus on topic is clear and definite
• Effective and appropriate details create a vivid picture showing knowledge and insight
• Fresh approach holds the reader’s attention; insights are relevant and useful to the reader's understanding of the topic the writer is exploring.

• Writer’s personality is not evident.
• Commitment to topic is lacking.
• The development of the topic is so limited that the writing evokes minimal emotion in the reader.
• Limited vocabulary for words to create a picture.
• Verb and noun choice is rather general. Adjectives and phrases lack definition.
• Language choice and phrasing is inappropriate, repetitive, or lacks meaning.

• Writer’s personality is undefined; writing is cautious.
• Commitment to topic is limited.
• The writing is somewhat sincere but doesn’t reflect unique or individual perspective on the topic therefore evoking limited emotion in the reader
• Ordinary word choice attempts to create a picture in the reader’s mind.
• Verbs, nouns, adjectives, and phrases are adequate.
• Language choice and phrasing lack inspiration.

• Writer’s personality pokes through; confidence and feeling fade in and out.
• A commitment to the topic is apparent.
• The writing is somewhat engaging for the reader and evokes some emotion.
• Correct, adequate word choice creates a clear picture in the reader’s mind.
• Lively verbs, specific nouns, and appropriate adjectives and phrases add to the meaning.
• Some colorful language encourages reflection.
• Dialogue, if used, sounds appropriate.

• The writer’s personality is expressed; confidence and feeling are apparent.
• Individual, powerful commitment to the topic is obvious.
• The writing is honest, personal, and engaging and makes the reader think about and react to the author’s ideas.

• A minimal grasp of standard writing conventions is apparent.
• Numerous errors in conventions distract and/or confuse the reader.
*Single spaced
Use of first and second person pronouns

• A basic grasp of the standard writing conventions is apparent.
• Errors in conventions may impair readability.
*Some uses of first and second person pronouns

• A strong grasp of the standard writing conventions is apparent: capitalization is correct, punctuation is smooth and enhances meaning, spelling is essentially correct, grammar and usage are generally correct.
*Mostly uses third person pronouns.

• A strong grasp of standard writing conventions is apparent: capitalization is accurate, punctuation is smooth and enhances meaning, spelling is correct, grammar is essentially correct.
*Uses third person pronouns throughout the essay.