Comparison Essay Rubric

Comparison Essay Rubric
	5 Points	4 Points	3 Points
Requirements: Proper heading, title, Times New Roman, 12 pt, margins, 1-2 pgs.	All requirements and approximately 2 pages long	Most requirements and is at least 1 ½ pages long	Missing many requirements and/or is less than 1 ½ pages long
Thesis Statement	Clearly outlines all elements of the intended comparisons. (see example #4 of your hand out)	Outlines the similarities and differences and some supportive details. (see example #3)	Outlines the similarities and differences but lacks real supportive details. (see example #2)
Comparison	Includes two strong similarities and one strong differences Clearly addresses possible reasons for each with supportive evidence.	Includes two basic similarities and two basic differences. Basic reasons for each with basic supportive evidence.	Does not include all required similarities and differences or lacks strong reasons for each or each or supportive evidence.
Content and Detail	Supportive details and evidence throughout	Some supportive details and evidence.	Lacks much detail and evidence.
Organization and Clarity	Clearly organized. Each paragraph has purposeful focus. . Makes effective transitions. Clear, compelling introduction Conclusion effectively synthesizes major points of the main argument. Student voice evident throughout Formal: avoids contractions and personal pronouns	Clearly organized. Each paragraph has purposeful focus. Some awkward or abrupt transitions. Clear introduction Conclusion is adequately constructed. Student voice is sometimes evident. Has some contractions and/or personal pronouns	Structure is difficult to follow. Many awkward transitions Unclear introduction and/or conclusion Lack student voice Has many contractions and/or personal pronouns
Citations	Accurate format Clear signal phrases Purposefully reinforce content 4 – 6 citations	Accurate format Adequate signal phrases General connection to content 2 – 3 citations	Inaccurate format Lacks signal phrases Not clearly connected to content Lacks proper citations
Bibliography	Demonstrates thorough research More than 10 references	Demonstrates adequate research 6 – 9 references	Demonstrates minimal research 3 – 5 references
Images	Strongly reinforces essay content Included in the body of the paper	Adequately reinforces essay content Not in the body	Not clearly related or reinforcing Not in the body