Literary Essay

You must submit a Literary Essay for the Due Date: _____________________________
CRITERIA:
Your essay must answer one of the following questions:
1.
2.

In the novel, is there a true or perfect human image?

In what ways does the author use the shortcomings of David's society to show the reader,
indirectly, the problems in our society?
3. Do the many societies in this novel (Waknuk, Fringes, Sealand) all practice intolerance in one way
or another?
4. Which text, The X-Men or The Chrysalids, demonstrates the challenges of being different more
effectively?
Structure:
Introduction
a)
b)
c)
d)

A thesis statement
Background or context
Three main points of the essay
Transition sentence to body paragraphs

Body Paragraphs (3)

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Topic sentence at the beginning

Supporting explanation, evidence or proof
Quotes (with page numbers)
Sentence relating back to the thesis
Transition statement to the next paragraph

Conclusion
a) Restate the three main points in a new fashion
b) Restate the thesis
c) Closure with a concluding sentence
Voice: formal
Language: formal language which is precise and clearly states the intended meaning. Do not use the first
person I or We, instead use the third person. Do not use contractions (i.e. dont = do not).
Impact: the quality of your argument i.e. how clear and well supported your argument is will determine the
level you achieve.
Format: Essays must be submitted in MLA format with appropriate title page and bibliography.
Checklist - What you need to submit:
_____ essay plan
_____ essay draft with edits
_____ a title page with the essay title, your name, teachers name
_____ good copy
_____ works cited (bibliography)
_____ rubric

Literary Essay Rubric

Competency # 3 Produces texts for personal and social purposes.
Methodological Competency: Adopts effective work methods.
Subject Specific Competency: To write a variety of genres for personal and social purposes.
Criteria
Applies
Codes and
Conventions

What this
means
Grammar,
spelling and
Punctuation

Level 5
No grammar,
punctuation and
spelling
mistakes.
Organization is
entirely
appropriate to
writers
purpose.
Logical and
appropriate
sequence of
ideas.
Form is
sophisticated
and skilful.

Level 4

Level 3

Level 2

Level 1

Few
grammar,
punctuation
and spelling
mistakes.
Overall
organization
appropriate to
writers
purpose.
Appropriate
sequence of
ideas.

Some
grammar,
punctuation
and spelling
mistakes.
Organization is
generally
appropriate to
writers
purpose. Clear
sequence of
ideas.

Form is
controlled and
focused.

Form is
somewhat
controlled and
focused.

Consistent
grammar,
punctuation
and spelling
mistakes.
Organizatio
n is
somewhat
appropriate
to writers
purpose. At
times,
clearly
sequenced.
Form is
discernable
and basic.

Many
grammar,
punctuation
and spelling
mistakes.
Organizatio
n is
formulaic,
unclear or
inappropriat
e.
Minimal
evidence of
sequencing.
Form is
controlled,
uncertain,
non-existent,
not
identified, or
incorrectly
identified.
No plan.
One copy
has been
submitted.
No evidence
of draft
work,
editing and
revision
provided.

Applies
Codes and
Conventions
of different
modes

Your essay has

flow and is
sequenced, has
transitions and
shows
development.

Adapts
process and
strategies to
the writing/
Production
context

You organized
your essay using
the 5 paragraph
structure

Participates
Individually
in the
Different
Phases of the
Production
Process.

Student follows
the writing
process
producing a
plan, draft,
which has been
edited and
revised, and
submitting a
good copy.

A thorough
plan. A draft
and good copy
has been
submitted.
Evidence of
thorough editing
and revision
provided.

A good plan. A
draft and good
copy has been
submitted.
Evidence of
editing and
revision
provided.

A plan. A draft
and good copy
has been
submitted.
Some evidence
of editing and
revision
provided.

Analyzes
context
elements and
shapes text
accordingly

The power of the

writing as a
result of
integration of
contextual
elements. This
determines how
well you have
proven your
thesis. The
quality of your
examples and
explanations.

The writing is
compelling and
insightful.

The writing is
convincing and
wellconceived.

The writing is
credible and
ordinary.

Level: __________
Comments:

A vague
plan. draft
and good
copy has
been
submitted.
However, no
evidence
editing and
revision
provided.
The writing
is tenuous
and limited.

The writing
is
inadequate
and
underdevelo
ped.