- You MUST use quotations and plot summaries to support your ideas. Integrate all quotes into your discussion effectively by contextualizing them (explaining what was going on in the plot line when the quote appeared), introducing them, and by making them work with your sentence structure. Cite all quotes with parenthetical reference
- Do not rehash the plot – organize your essay by idea, not by order of events in the story. I am not looking for a summary of the events as they took place in the story; I am looking for your ideas or thoughts pertaining to those events. Think critically and write effectively.
- Remember that this is a persuasive paper; you must not only cite evidence from the story to support your claims, but also explain HOW those citations illustrate your point.
- When referring to the author of a literary work, never use the author’s first name only. It is common to refer to authors by just their last names, as in the following: Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily”. . .
- When referring to action in the story, always use the present tense
- Don’t forget to title your essay. Create an interesting title (don’t use the title of the story!), Put quotation marks around the title of the short story, but not around your title (don’t underline or boldface it either).
- In the introduction, you should make reference to the title and author of the work you will be discussing. Also, it’s a good idea to include a thesis statement in your introduction that indicates the direction and organization of your essay:
- Double space entire essay
- 12 font
- Title is centered and not bolded – a creative title could receive up to 5 extra credit points. I choose at least one title for each paper.
- Indent every paragraph using the Tab key on keyboard
- Do not skip lines between paragraphs
- Review your format to ensure it is correct. Do you have a “Works Cited Page”, have the proper heading, paginate?
Criteria
Literary Analysis ALiterary Analysis ACriteria Ratings Pts Title and Introduction15 pts
ProficientThe essay has an interesting and creative title centered at the top of the page. The essay begins with an attention getter and introduces both the title and author of the work. The introduction provides a brief plot summary and/or necessary background. The introduction ends with a clear thesis statement that succinctly introduces the main argument and hints at the essay’s organization.12 pts
Meets ExpectationsThe essay has a title, although the title may not be especially creative. The essay may not have an effective attention getter and/or may not provide necessary background. The introduction ends with a thesis statement that introduces the main idea.9 pts
Needs ImprovementThe essay may not have a title. The analysis may not begin with a thesis statement; if it does begin with a thesis, it has a thesis that does not adequately introduce the main argument of the paper.15 ptsAnalysis and Reflection25 pts
ExceptionalThe purpose of explaining meaning is achieved, thereby deepening the reader’s understanding of the work or works.20 pts
Meets ExpectationThe writing offers some new insight into the work or related works, but the analysis may not consistently use support from the work to the extent needed to clarify main points, or it may unnecessarily retell the work.15 pts
Needs ImprovementThe writing does not deepen the reader’s understanding of the work or related works. Summary or evaluation may be substituted for analysis.25 ptsGrammar, Mechanics, Documentation20 pts
ExceptionalFollows standard practices in spelling, punctuation, and grammar with few errors; consistently follows MLA documentation guidelines16 pts
Meets ExpectationContains some errors in sentences structure, grammar, and mechanics, but those errors do not interfere with the writer’s ability to communicate purpose; adequately follows MLA documentation guidelines although some errors may exist12 pts
Needs ImprovementContains pervasive errors in sentence structure, grammar and mechanics that DO interfere with the writer’s ability to communicate purpose; does NOT follow MLA documentation guidelines accurately20 ptsSupport20 pts
ExceptionalProvides ample textual support for all claims16 pts
Meets ExpectationProvides sufficient textual support for most claims12 pts
Needs ImprovementIf support is offered, the support is weak and/or inaccurate20 ptsOrganization10 pts
ExceptionalEssay is easy to follow and understand. Introduction introduces main argument; body expertly explains/supports the thesis, and the conclusion brings the essay to a satisfactory close.8 pts
Meets ExpectationFor the most part, the essay is organized in a logical way although some parts may be out of place6 pts
Needs ImprovementThe essay is disorganized to the extent that it prevents understanding.10 ptsConclusion10 pts
ExceptionalThe conclusion leaves the reader with a question, a quotation, a fresh insight, or another memorable impression and summarizes the thesis in different words.8 pts
Meets ExpectationThe conclusion brings the analysis to a satisfactory close.6 pts
Needs ImprovementThe conclusion may be weak, repetitive, or missing. The essay may end abruptly.10 ptsTotal Points: 100