12U – Comparative Essay Rubric				NAME:
Categories	Criteria	Expectation Level	Final Grade	
Knowledge	1.	Thesis – Specific, arguable and original    
2.	Thesis – Is the focal point of the paper
3.	Introduction – includes hook and is highly engaging
4.	Paragraphs – Clear topic sentences, new supporting 
                      detail/point per paragraph, and 
                      concluding sentences used
5.	Concluding Paragraph – Synthesizes points (not 
                     summarizes) and restates thesis. 
                      May provide a “call to action”.	Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+
Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+
Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+
Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+

Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+	

_____

   25	
Thinking	1.	Points – Information is relevant and supports the  
              writer’s ideas and thesis
2.	Proof – Position is supported in depth with best  
                  example / quote choices and valid and   
                  accurate information
3.	Citations – are accurately documented/embedded 
                   throughout paper.
4.	Explanations – Reflects upon topic and synthesizes 
                         information showing relation to thesis
                          and ability to compare and contrast
5.	Concluding Paragraph – Provides significant implications towards course questions and big ideas.
 	Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+

Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+

Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+

Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+

Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+	

_____

   25	
Application	1.	Paragraphs – Writer demonstrates logical 
                    sequencing of ideas
2.	Articulation – Ideas are clear and concise
3.	Voice – Use of academic language conventions
4.	Cohesion – Transitional words and phrases are used to connect ideas and maintain coherence that does not require reader to make assumptions.	Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+

Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+
Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+
Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+

_____

   25	
Communication	1.	Grammar – Paper is free of grammatical errors in 
                   basic sentence structuring (fragments, 
                   run-ons, comma usage etc.)
2.	Grammar – Paper is free of spelling errors and 
                    awkward/incorrect word choices. 
3.	Guidelines – Follows instructional MLA criteria 
                    (Font size, style, margins, title etc.)
4.	Works Cited – Cites all relevant resources in the 
                         correct format	Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+

Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+

Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+

Not Met     1     2     3     4     4+	

_____

   25