Void Analysis Rubric
Void Analysis Rubric
Comparison Essay: Nothing vs. Apocalypse Now
STUDENT:
DATE:
Requirements: 3-6 Paragraphs MLA Format 4+ Examples per source
Writing Window: Chromebook / Single Tab
| Category | Exceptional (90-100) | Proficient (80-89) | Developing (70-79) | Beginning (0-69) |
|---|
| Analysis | | | | |
| 30 pts | | | | |
| Insightful, nuanced comparison that deeply explores philosophical connections. Directly addresses all parts of the prompt. | Clear comparison with solid thematic understanding. Addresses main components of the prompt. | Basic comparison provided; may focus too heavily on one text or remain surface level. Partially addresses prompt. | Minimal/no comparison. Significant misunderstanding of prompt or themes. |
| Evidence
30 pts
| Exceeds 4+4 minimum. Examples are perfectly integrated and provide strong support for the argument. | Meets 4+4 minimum. Examples are relevant and mostly integrated well into the writing. | Missing 1-2 examples from either source. Some examples lack explanation of relevance. | Significant lack of evidence (fewer than 4 total). Examples are inaccurate or unexplained. |
| Structure
20 pts
| Logical, sophisticated flow with seamless transitions. Follows 3-6 paragraph structure perfectly. | Logical progression with clear topic sentences. Follows the 3-6 paragraph requirement. | Flow disrupted or repetitive. May be slightly under/over the paragraph limit. | Disorganized or lacks clear structure. Significant issues with length requirement. |
| MLA & Style
10 pts
| Flawless MLA formatting (header, spacing, citations). Professional, academic tone. | Mostly correct MLA formatting with minor errors. Appropriate academic tone. | Several MLA errors (incorrect spacing/header). Tone is occasionally casual/inconsistent. | Little/no attempt at MLA format. Inappropriate tone for literary analysis. |
| Conventions
10 pts
| Excellent control of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. No errors that impede readability. | Good control of conventions. Minor errors do not distract the reader. | Frequent errors that occasionally distract or confuse the reader. | Severe errors in conventions throughout that make response difficult to understand. |
Teacher Feedback
Total Score
_____ / 100
Writing Prompts
1. What Gives Life Meaning?
Both Nothing and Apocalypse Now deal with characters who question the meaning of life. Compare how the students in Nothing and Captain Willard in Apocalypse Now struggle to find meaning in the world around them. What answers, if any, do they find?
2. Isolation and the Individual
Pierre Anthon separates himself from the group, and Captain Willard spends much of his time alone in his thoughts. Compare how both characters represent existential loneliness and what this says about the human experience.
3. The Line Between Right and Wrong
As the characters in both stories go deeper into their missions, they begin to blur the line between what’s right and wrong. How do Nothing and Apocalypse Now show that making meaning sometimes comes at a moral cost?
4. The Power and Danger of Belief
In Nothing, the students become obsessed with creating a "heap of meaning." In Apocalypse Now, some soldiers blindly follow orders or adopt strange beliefs. Compare how belief systems can give people purpose—but also lead to destruction.
5. Does Anything Really Matter?
Both stories explore the idea that maybe nothing really matters. Compare how the characters react to this idea. Do they accept it, fight against it, or fall apart because of it?
Memento Mori • The Horror
