English 12 Critical Analysis Term Paper
Requirements
3-4 full typed pages in MLA format (see myWCS or Purdue’s OWL site)
4 – 5 critical sources (book is included as a source)
Use of parenthetical references and a Works Cited page
Project dates
3/5 (Friday) – Working thesis and Works Cited with evaluations due to
Turnitin.com. 16 points
3/23 (Tuesday) – First draft due (submit to Turnitin.com). 20 points
4/16 (Thursday) – Final draft due (Submit to Turnitin.com). 64 points
Research
• The book used on the Evaluative Essay Project last semester is the book you will use for
this paper.
• Sources may be books, articles, or credible internet sources.
o An internet source is not an online encyclopedia, moderated discussion
boards, or student blogs/vlogs
o Keep accurate research notes and evaluations on all the research done.
Written evaluations will be due with the Works Cited page to determine
their use to your paper’s thesis
o Use Purdue’s OWL site for correctly formatting a source for the
Works Cited page.
Writing
• The first draft will be checked by peer editing as well as the teacher. It is not a
“rough draft”; you are expected to have a critical analysis paper that meets all
requirements for this draft. You will receive a grade for this draft.
• From all you read, draw your own conclusions about which positions you believe to
be correct or the one with which you agree. Provide reasons for your conclusion.
• You should use quotes sparingly in an analytical paper. The quotes you do use
should only be used to support your analysis of the text.
• For this paper, you should not use first or second person pronouns (except in
quotes taken from the text). Third person pronouns are true to this type of
academic writing and should be used.
Critical Analysis Paper Rubric
Student Name: __________________________ Teacher Name: __________________________
Yes Test: You must receive all “yeses” for your paper to be scored. Any “no” will stop the process.
Yes No Basic Requirement
1. Paper typed
2. Thesis clearly stated in intro and referenced in the conclusion
3. Correct documentation style used in text
4. Citing evident
5. 4 sources used (including novel)
6. Works Cited/Bibliography or References accurate and correctly formatted
7. Paper written in 3rd person; content not personal essay but non-biased research
8. Paper meets minimum length standard (3-4 full pages, excluding title and Works
Cited/Bibliography or References)
9. Evidence of consistent and conscientious editing
4—Clearly a knowledgeable, practiced, skilled pattern
3—Evidence of a developing pattern
2—Superficial, random, limited consistencies
1—Unacceptable skill application
Use of Sources
Skill application demonstrates use which represents → 4 3 2 1
Researched information appropriately documented
Sources on Works Cited/Bibliography or References accurately match sources cited
within the text
Demonstrates use of paraphrasing, direct, and indirect quotations
Researched literary criticism connects to the thesis
_______/16
Content/Organization
Skill application demonstrates use which represents →
4 3 2 1
Introduction engaging and clearly defines thesis
Thesis clearly articulates judicious, insightful opinion of work
Selection of critical views connecting to thesis is clarifying, exploring, explaining,
developing
Understanding of critics’ views is articulated
Insightful detection and articulation of comparisons/contrasts of critics’ views
Mixture of personal voice interwoven with research (commentary)
Conclusion thoughtful, engaging, and clear
_______/28
Mechanics/Organization
Skill application demonstrates use which represents → 4 3 2 1
Usage/Grammar
Follows MLA formatting guidelines (includes page numbering)
Text organization flows sensibly and smoothly with focus on single part of novel
Correct paragraphing
Written in formal style (no contractions, personal pronouns, slang, etc.)
_______/20
Comments:
Total Score: ________/64 Total Percentage: _________%
