PrintCompare/Contrast Essay
Category
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Content
The stories are compared well. Two significant similarities and two significant differences are fully explained and developed. Details from each story are accurate.
Two similarities and two differences are explained and somewhat developed. Details are accurate.
There are less than two similarities or two differences. The events are stated but not explained. Details are accurate.
The events are not compared or contrasted at all.
Opening/Closing
The essay grabs the reader's attention right away, using one of the methods discussed in class (questions, facts, quotes, "imagine" statements) and wraps up all details in a developed conclusion.
The essay has both an opening and a conclusion, but one of them could use some work.
The essay is missing either an opening or conclusion.
Both the introduction and conclusion are missing.
Transitions
Strong words are used to signal comparison or differences. There is a variety in the selection of phrases chosen. Phrases are used accurately.
Strong words are chosen, but are repeated. Most phrases are used accurately.
Comparison and contrast are signaled, but the words are weak or used incorrectly.
Transitional cues are missing.
Robust Vocabulary/Word Choice
Three robust vocabulary words are used correctly during the essay. They are underlined. The rest of the essay uses strong, interesting words to emphasize points. All words are used correctly.
Three words are used, but they are not all correct. Mostly strong words are used. All words are used correctly.
Two words are present. Some strong words are used, but there are many simple words like "happy", "mad" or "bad." Some words are used correctly.
There are no robust vocabulary words, or the text is comprised of simple words.
Grammar/Format
Each sentence is properly punctuated and capitalized. Each new paragraph is entered and indented. There are no run on sentences.
One or two sentences are improperly punctuated or capitalized. Each new paragraph is entered and indented. There may be a run on sentence.
There are three to five sentences with improper capitalization or punctuation. The essay reads as one long paragraph. There are two or more run on sentences.
There are more than five sentences that are improperly capitalized or punctuated. The essay reads as one long paragraph. There are many run ons.
Spelling
There are no spelling mistakes.
There are 1-2 spelling mistakes.
There are 3-5 spelling mistakes.
The paper is littered with mistakes.
