Single Quote Theme Task Sheet
Theme Analysis Paragraph Task Sheet & Rubric
Date:
Name:
The Assignment Prompt
Write a focused, formal literary analysis paragraph analyzing how the author develops a major theme (a universal truth or message about life) in your novel. Your paragraph must include a strong thesis statement/topic sentence, exactly one piece of cited textual evidence with thoughtful analysis, and an insightful wrap-up sentence.
1. Claim
Thesis / Topic Sentence
State novel title, author, and specific theme message.
Title + Author + Theme
2. Evidence
Context & Direct Quote
Provide background, introduce speaker, quote, and cite page.
Context + Quote + (Page)
3. Analysis
Explain & Connect
Thoroughly explain how this quote proves your theme without retelling plot.
Reasoning + Connection
4. Synthesis
Wrap-Up Sentence
Explain the big-picture takeaway for readers today.
Universal Takeaway
In-Text Citation Guide: Lead in with speaker/context, place quotation marks around evidence, then author & page number.
"..." (Lowry 42).
| Criteria (30 Points Total) | Exemplary (9–10 pts) | Proficient (7–8 pts) | Developing (0–6 pts) |
|---|
| | | |
| 1. Thesis & Structure | | | |
Worth 10 Points
Topic sentence, clear theme focus, and logical transitions.
| Clear thesis names title, author, and an insightful, complete theme statement (not just one word). Sentences flow logically with effective transitions. | Thesis is present and states theme, but may omit title/author or sound like plot summary. Basic transitions connect ideas. | Missing or vague thesis; reads as simple plot summary without clear theme focus. Choppy organization. |
|
2. Text Evidence & Citation
Worth 10 Points
Quote selection, context integration, and accurate MLA citations.
| Includes 1 strong, relevant quote smoothly integrated with context. Correct in-text MLA citation with author and page number. | Includes 1 quote, but it may be loosely connected or lack background context. Minor citation or punctuation errors. | Missing quote, or quote is inaccurate, dropped without context, or missing in-text citation. |
|
3. Analysis & Wrap-Up
Worth 10 Points
Original reasoning, theme explanation, and universal wrap-up.
| Thoroughly explains how the quote proves the theme without retelling plot. Ends with an impactful wrap-up sentence on universal significance. | Explains the quote but partially relies on retelling events. Wrap-up sentence is included but repeats the thesis without deeper insight. | Minimal analysis (only summarizes "what happened"). Wrap-up sentence is absent or abrupt. |
Theme Check: A topic is one or two words (e.g., courage). A theme is a full sentence lesson (e.g., True courage means standing up for others even when you are afraid).
1 Thesis Statement / Topic Sentence (Title + Author + Full Theme Statement) Sentence 1
2 Text Evidence & Citation (Lead-in context + Direct Quote + MLA Page Citation) Sentence 2
3 Analysis & Theme Connection (How does this specific quote prove your theme? Do not retell plot) Sentences 3–4
4 Wrap-Up / Concluding Sentence (The Universal Big-Picture Takeaway) Sentence 5
Pre-Submission Self-Check Checklist
Verify before writing final copy
Thesis states author, novel, and complete theme
Quote is cited in MLA format: (Author #)
Lead-in phrase gives context before the quote
Analysis explains meaning without retelling plot
Quotation marks placed around exact author words
Wrap-up sentence provides a universal life takeaway