Choose two of the “other worlds” described in the unit nethergrave and sound of thunder. Compare and contrast the ways these other worlds impacted the real world for the characters.
English Essay Rubric
Directions: Use the rubric below as a guide in writing your essay.
Criteria
(Weight)
Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Points Awarded
Ideas/Purpose
(× 2)
The main idea or
purpose is
clearly stated.
The response is
fully relevant.
The response
strongly
supports the
main idea or
purpose.
The main idea or
purpose is
stated.
The response is
generally
relevant.
The response
mostly supports
the main idea or
purpose.
The main idea or
purpose may be
unclear.
The response is
somewhat
relevant.
The response
provides basic
support for the
main idea or
purpose.
The main idea or
purpose is
unclear.
The response has
little or no
relevance.
Textual
Evidence
(× 1)
There at least
four specific
details,
examples, and/or
citations that
make clear
reference to the
text.
There are at
least four
examples,
details, and/or
citations that
make general
reference to the
text.
There are fewer
than four
examples,
details, or
citations that
make reference
to the text.
The textual
evidence is
limited or
vague.
There are fewer
than two
examples,
details, or
citations that
make reference
to the text.
The textual
evidence is not
fully relevant.
Criteria
(Weight)
Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Points Awarded
Conventions
(× 1)
There is a strong
command of
conventions.
Punctuation,
capitalization,
and spelling are
consistently
correct.
There is a
general
command of
conventions.
Punctuation,
capitalization,
and spelling are
mostly correct.
There is a partial
command of
conventions.
Punctuation,
capitalization,
and spelling are
inconsistent or
weak.
Errors in
conventions may
occasionally
interfere with
meaning.
There is a
limited
command of
conventions.
Punctuation and
capitalization are
mostly
incorrect.
There are
multiple errors
in spelling.
Errors in
conventions
often interfere
with meaning
and understanding.
Criteria
(Weight)
Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Points Awarded
Organization
(× 2)
The essay has a
clear and
logical
organization.
Transitions are
used effectively
between ideas
and paragraphs.
The essay has a
clear
organization.
Transitions are
used between
ideas and
paragraphs.
The essay has an
attempted
organization.
Transitions are
used, but may
not be smooth.
The essay lacks
organization.
Transitions are
missing or
inappropriate.
The essay is
difficult to
follow.
Criteria
(Weight)
Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Points Awarded
Language
(× 2)
The language is
vivid and
engaging,
sustaining
reader interest
throughout.
The language is
clear and
appropriate,
maintaining
reader interest
most of the
time.
The language is
serviceable, but
may lack
precision or
clarity at times.
The language is
difficult to
understand or
inappropriate
for the topic.
The reader loses
interest.
Criteria
(Weight)
Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Points Awarded
Sentence
Fluency
(× 1)
Sentences are
varied, well-
constructed,
and
interesting.
Sentences are
varied and
usually well-
constructed.
Sentences are
sometimes
varied and
reasonably well-
constructed.
Sentences are
rarely varied or
well-
constructed.
The reader must
re-read to
understand the
message.
Criteria
(Weight)
Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Points Awarded
Overall
Impression
(Total/Weight
× 2)
The essay is
compelling,
thoughtful, and
convincing.
The essay is
adequate and
may lack
depth or
persuasiveness
at times.
The essay is
thin and lacks
depth or
persuasiveness.
The essay is
confusing or not
relevant.