A Grading Rubric for the Movie Essay
The Assignment | Peer Editing Sheet | A Grading Rubric
The Introduction:
_____ Advanced: The intro presents a clear, compelling and supported occasion for the thesis. The thesis will be clear and arguable. There will be no stylistic missteps (inappropriate 1st person or 2nd person; overly mechanical transitions, overuse of linking verb or passive structures, etc.)_____ Proficient: The intro makes an attempt at presenting a occasion for the thesis. The occasion may be underdeveloped or not supported. The thesis will be clear and arguable. It may present more information than is needed (an overly ambitious lead-in). It may demonstrate some "throat clearing." There may be some stylistic awkwardness, but not enough to interfere with meaning.
_____ In Progress: The intro may present no occasion for the argument. The thesis may not be stated, be too vague to understand or not an arguable statement. It may not be an introduction at all, but the beginning of the first argument. The intro may be confusing or too vague to follow. Stylistic awkwardness may interfere with meaning.
Use of Evidence::
_____ Advanced: All statements will be backed up by relevant evidence. Evidence will be attributed and qualified. Points will be supported by multiple pieces of evidence and indicate an overall understanding of the issue. Quotes will be woven into the argument rather than being "plunked" into the paragraph._____ Proficient: Most or all statements will be backed up by relevant evidence. Evidence may not be attributed or qualified. Points may be supported by single pieces of evidence. Most quotes will be woven into the argument rather than being "plunked" into the paragraph.
_____ In Progress: Little or no back up of statements. So little evidence may be used to make a reader question the writer's understanding of the issue. Evidence may have no connection to the argument. Evidence may be misused to support inaccurate statements.
Discussion:
_____ Advanced: All evidence is discussed in a compelling way in relation to the thesis. When a reader finishes, there will be a clear understanding of why the writer believes what she/he believes. Multiple ways of looking at the issue are addressed or one way is presented in depth. The discussion will indicate a "lively mind at work."._____ Proficient: Most evidence is discussed in relationship to the thesis. The essay will clearly address the thesis. The most relevant material is discussed. Discussion may be cursory or brief.
_____ In Progress: Evidence may be presented without discussion. Discussion may be limited to simply repeating or rewording the thesis. Discussion may seem disconnected to the thesis. Discussion may be based on unsupported assertions. There may be no thesis. Vital parts of the argument may seem to be missing.
Depth of Analysis and Demonstration of Thought:
_____ Advanced: The arguments will reveal a profound understanding of the issue. The argument may show an understanding of subtleties, ambiguities or complexities of the issue. The paper will move well beyond the "top of the head" arguments._____ Proficient: The arguments will reveal a complete understanding the issue. The argument may show some understanding of the subtleties, ambiguities or complexities of the issue. Misstatements will be minor. The paper will at least state the "top of the head" arguments fully.
_____ In Progress: The argument may not reveal a full understanding of the issue. The arguments may have a tendency to over-simplify the issue. Significant portions of the argument may be missing.
Style, grammar, mechanics and usage:
_____ Advanced: The style is lively, relying on appropriate verb choice, specific nouns and modifiers, and the sentences vary appropriately in length and rhythm. Word choice, transitions and the arrangement of information makes for highly readable prose. There will be no or very few errors._____ Proficient: The style is workman-like, and the essay is easy to understand. There will be no or very few errors.
_____ In Progress: The style may interfere with the meaning of the essay. Awkward sentences, confusing transitions or inappropriate word choice may be a feature of the essay. Inappropriate 1st or 2nd person may be a feature of the essay. Errors may make the argument difficult to follow. The manuscript may show little evidence of proofreading.
TOTAL GRADE:
_____ Advanced: The essay is Advanced in most categories. No weakness appreciably effects the essay. The essay would be appropriate to use as a teaching tool with other students._____ Proficient: The essay must be at least Proficient in all categories. The essay is definitely on the right track, and with some revision and further thought could truly shine.
_____ In Progress: Any single category is In Progress. The essay needs further work.
The Assignment | Peer Editing Sheet | A Grading Rubric
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