COMPARE & CONTRAST ESSAY

An unbiased discussion, or an attempt to convince

the reader of the benefits of one thing, person, or idea; it might be written simply to entertain the reader,
or to arrive at an insight into human nature. The essay could discuss both similarities and differences, or it
could just focus on one or the other.

(10%)MLA standards (20%) Accurately

applies the
conventions of

(15%)Structure and (5%)ConclusionIntroduction (20%) Third (15%) Second (15%) First

Style
supporting
supporting
supporting
point
point
point

Topic: ______________________________

TOTAL:

Name: _______________________________________

Incomplete
0-49%

Limited
50-59%

Approaching
60-69%

Meeting
70-79%
Balanced and through examination of both things, persons, or ideas. Evidence
is clear and relevant with insightful, thoughtful analysis/commentary.

Exceeding
80 - 100%

(0-7.4%)

(7.5 8.9%)

(9 10.4%)

(10.5 11.9%)

(12 15%)

Balanced and through examination of both things, persons, or ideas. Evidence

is clear and relevant with insightful, thoughtful analysis/commentary.
(0-7.4%)

(7.5 8.9%)

(9 10.4%)

(10.5 11.9%)

(12 15%)

Balanced and through examination of both things, persons, or ideas. The

strongest of the three points. Evidence is clear and relevant with insightful,
thoughtful analysis/commentary.
(0 9.9%)

(10 11.9%)

(12-13.9%)

(16 20%)
(14-15.9%)

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2.

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4.
5.

3.
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5.

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5.

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5.

(0-2.4%)

(2.5 2.9%)

(3 3.4%)

(3.5 3.9%)

(4-5%)

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2.

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(0-7.4%)

(7.5-8.9%)

(9-10.4%)

(12 15%)

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2.
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4.

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4.

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(10.5-11.9%)
Demonstrates proficiency of standard Canadian:
1. Spelling
2. Grammar
3. Punctuation
4. Capitalization

(0 9.9%)

(10 11.9%)

(12-13.9%)

(14-15.9%)

(16 20%)

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2.
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5.

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7.

1. First page includes correct information and in correct format

2. Two-part title is creative and specific
3. Pagination in upper right hand corner includes surname.
4. If in-text citations are required, they are in proper format.
5. Works Cited page is included if required, for each text referred to, and in
proper format.
6. Work is double spaced, using 12-pt Times New Roman or Cambria font.
7. Margins are one-inch.

(0 4.9%)

(5-5.9%)

(6 6.9%)

(7-7.9%)

(8-10%)

/100

Engaging, creative hook

Skilled introduction of topic / transition to thesis; sophisticated writing is
demonstrated.
Thesis is clear, debatable, interesting, and visible.
Clear, concise statement of enumeration is in parallel form.
Conclusion connects explicitly and creatively to hook; it restates thesis
and statement of enumeration with creativity and skill.

Topic sentences are clear, relevant and creative.

Body paragraphs and conclusion paragraph are introduced with
appropriate transitions.
Transitions of compare and/or contrast are correctly employed.
Writing is sophisticated, reflecting the style of a committed reader. Style
and vocabulary consistently academic in tone, concisely communicating
ideas.
Point-by-point method used to good effect

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