Mikalaitis A.P.

Writing Final Rubric for Compare and Contrast Essay Page Layout 15 points - Default margins 5pts - Paper is double spaced, size 12, Times New Roman font 5pts Proper MLA heading 5pts Introduction 10 points - The thesis reflects both the content (main points) and the structure (the order in which the main points are made) of the essay 5pts Body of essay 45 points - Point by point or subject by subject organization - Subjects share enough commonality to form the basis of comparison - Balance and flexibility - There are clear and eloquent transitions between paragraphs - Every paragraph has a topic and concluding sentence that makes clear the exact purpose of the paragraph 5pts - Every paragraph actually serves as a building block in logically defending the thesis and clarifying its nuances 5pts - All ideas, concepts, and quotations from other sources are properly cited 5p - Consistent point of view Conclusion 5 points - The paper contains an effective concluding paragraph that leaves the reader with a sense of completeness and a conviction that the point has been made. It brings the paper to a thoughtful, satisfying end rather than a mechanical summary of the obvious 5pts Style 10 points - Each sentence is clearly linked to the preceding sentence 1pts - There is sentence variety 1pts - The paper demonstrates college-level verbal finesse. 2pts - The paper has an engaging voice that is truly the writers own and captivates the readers attention 2pts Mechanics 10 points - Spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure are flawless 2pts - There is no repetition 2pts - The diction, although sophisticated, is clear, concise, and easy to read 2pts - There are no grammatical errors 2pts