THESIS: Easily identifiable, plausible, original, insightful, and narrow, with a clear break down of your essay’s focus: /20
STRUCTURE: Overall structure is clear, understandable, and appropriate for thesis. Topic sentences are thesis driven, not plot driven. Transition sentences
move argument coherently from point to point. Each body paragraph supports solid topic sentences. Minimum essay length is 950 words in MLA format–
heading and Works Cited not included in word count: /10
ANALYSIS: Makes thoughtful and original observations of The Name of the Wind. Analysis demonstrates superior understanding of student-chosen symbol,
theme, character, etc. and purpose in the novel. Relates characters or themes to the literary work as a whole. Avoids extended plot summary: /40
USE OF EVIDENCE: Evidence from The Name of the Wind supports every point with at least one example, and each supporting paragraph uses one brieflyquoted passage. Excellent integration of direct quotes into sentences with correct parenthetical citations and Works Cited page. Relates evidence to topic
sentences and thoroughly explains significance of evidence. Student’s voice clearly controls the use of evidence; quotes support thesis rather than stand-in
for the thesis: /20…