Analysis Architect Rubric
Grades 6–8 ELA Literary Analysis
Literary Analysis Paragraph Rubric
Student Name:
Text:
Date:
| Criteria & Weight | Proficient Full Credit | Developing Partial Credit | Emerging Minimal / Revision Needed |
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| 1. Claim & Focus 1 Pt | | | |
Topic sentence & insight
| 1.0 pt Includes title, author, and a clear, arguable claim that answers the prompt without stating mere plot facts. | 0.5 pt Claim is present but reads like summary; missing author, title, or clear literary argument. | 0 pts Claim is confusing, off-topic, or missing; reader cannot identify paragraph focus. |
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2. Evidence & MLA 2 Pts
Integrated quote & citing
| 2.0 pts Direct quote is seamlessly blended using a signal phrase. Cites accurately in MLA: (Author 42) with period after parenthesis. | 1.0 pt Quote is dropped in without lead-in ("quote bomb"). Citation has minor errors (missing author name, period inside quotes). | 0–0.5 pt Evidence is missing, inaccurate, or uncited. No parenthetical MLA citation provided. |
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3. Analysis & Logic 2 Pts
Explains how quote proves claim
| 2.0 pts Provides 2+ sentences of thoughtful analysis explaining how specific words/details prove the claim. Avoids repeating plot summary. | 1.0 pt Explains basic meaning of quote, but mostly summarizes surrounding plot instead of analyzing deeper character or theme connections. | 0–0.5 pt Analysis is minimal or absent (e.g., "This shows my claim is true"); leaves reader to make connections. |
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4. Sentences & Vocab 1 Pt
Fluency, variety & tone
| 1.0 pt Varied sentence structures (compound/complex). Uses precise literary verbs (portrays, highlights, symbolizes). Avoids 1st/2nd person ("I think", "you"). | 0.5 pt Repetitive sentence beginnings (e.g., repeatedly using "This shows"). Simple word choices; slips into casual language or occasional "I think". | 0 pts Frequent run-ons or fragments impede reading. Relies heavily on informal slang and vague words (stuff, good, bad). |
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5. MLA Format & Conv. 1 Pt
Layout, punctuation, spelling
| 1.0 pt Follows MLA paragraph guidelines (1-inch margins, indented first line, double spaced, standard font). Strong capitalization, spelling, and quotation rules. | 0.5 pt Has 1–2 formatting oversights (e.g., unindented paragraph, single spacing). A few minor punctuation or capitalization errors that do not block meaning. | 0 pts Ignores MLA formatting rules. Frequent spelling, grammar, and capitalization mistakes distract the reader and impede comprehension. |
Teacher Comments & Feedback: Score: _____ / 7
