Lit/LA 7: Character Trait Essay Rubric

Total Score _____/50

Last Updated 2015/16

FOCUS (5)
__________
In my thesis, I name the character I am analyzing, and list his or her three traits in the
order I discuss them (2)
I utilize a catchy attention grabber/hook to interest the reader (.5)
I ITALICIZE the title of the novel and include the authors full name in my intro (1)
I write a creative and appropriate title for my literary analysis (.5)
My conclusion restates the thesis and sums up my essay (1)
CONTENT (10)
_________
All of my body paragraphs start with a topic sentence that names my character trait
I use three specific examples from the novel to illustrate my character traits for EACH trait
I thoroughly explain all of my examples instead of simply listing them and/or expecting the
reader to make the connections on his/her own
All of my examples fit logically with my character trait
I wrap up each paragraph with a concluding sentence that restates the topic sentence
(transition)
I present smart ideas to show my understanding of the character as presented in the novel
I express my ideas clearly, so they are easy to understand
ORGANIZATION (4)
__________
My ideas are logically & correctly organized into five paragraphs (intro, 3 body paragraphs,
conclusion) (1)
I use a variety of transition words in my body paragraphs to introduce each example (1)
My quotations, paraphrases, and summaries from the book are integrated smoothly using
a variety of introductory phrases (2)
STYLE (4)
__________
I vary my verbs (not always using shows) (1)
I use variety in my wording and sentence structures (1)
I use powerful word choices by avoiding these weak words: get, very, really, just, a lot, and
thing (1)
st
nd
I write in 3rd person point of view, avoiding 1 & 2 person pronouns (1)
CONVENTIONS (12)
A
B
C
D
F

_____ x 3 = _____
nearly flawless mechanics (less than 5 errors) (4)
good mechanics (generally 5-9 mistakes) (3)
one major error repeated frequently or 10-14 mistakes (2)
pervasive sloppiness; two or three repeated major errors; 15+ errors (1)
consistentmechanicalerrors,severelyinterferingwithclarity20+errors(1)

Uses correct spelling

Properly writes numbers
(spell out numbers under
100)
Correct use of commas in a
series, in compound
sentences and after
introductory words or
phrases
Avoids fragments & run-ons

Correctly punctuates
quotations
Avoids end punctuation
errors
Uses correct subject/verb
agreement
Maintains consistent verb
tense (present tense)
Correctly capitalizes
Avoids contractions

MLA: FORMAT and PARENTHETICAL CITATIONS (10)

__________

Lit/LA 7: Character Trait Essay Rubric

Total Score _____/50

Last Updated 2015/16

I

cite page numbers correctly after each passage borrowed, paraphrased, or

summarized from the text (3)
My essay follows MLA format, including the proper heading, header, font,
size, margins, title format, paragraph indentation, etc. (2)
Includes a properly formatted Works Cited page for the novel (5)

ALL STEPS OF THE WRITING PROCESS ARE SUBMITTED (5)

___________
o All three body paragraphs + intro + conclusion were shared on Google Drive
on time (3)
o Revision & Editing Checklist is submitted, checked off and signed by student
(2)