Literary Interpretation Final Grading Criteria

In order to earn an advanced score on your research paper, you need to achieve the following:

40% - STANDARD: Uses a clear, logical, purposeful, and effective structure
Well-organized research paper containing an introduction with a thesis that answers a research question and gives a blueprint of where the author is going to take the reader in the paper.  All body paragraphs use controlling ideas and analyses that add depth to the claim made in the introduction.  Conclusion provides a response to the "so what?" question.

40% - STANDARD: Presents a balance of generalization and specific, illustrative detail

Interpretation is supported with at least three peer-reviewed pieces of literary criticism that strongly relate to the thread and criteria that the author is analyzing.  

Author explores each of the following criteria separately:
- Structure, style, and themes
- The social and historical values it reflects and embodies
- Prominent elements in the text such as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, irony, tone, etc.

Author uses the claims, evidence and commentary sequence in each body paragraph.

20% - STANDARD: Uses correct grammar, spelling, and sentence construction

Most sentences are well-constructed; correct punctuation, spelling and capitalization are used

Author uses MLA formatting with accurate in-text citations and works cited page.