Scarlet Letter Rubric

Essay must:
Contain a main thesis and at least two body paragraphs (no intro. or
conclusion)
Address one of the following prompts:
1 Tragic Hero: What is the critics argument and what are his main
points? Do you agree with the critic that Dimmesdale is the tragic
hero? Why or why not? Make sure you define tragic hero as you
apply your analysis.
2 Themes & Constructions: Choose one Theme and one Construction
from the article (or get Dato to approve one not listed in the article).
Write an essay explaining how Scarlet Letter shows that Theme and
Construction, and then also how Hawthorne uses the Construction to
support the Theme.
Be written in MLA format
See rubric for further guidelines
Scoring Guide for HAL Essay
A:
Essays earning a score of an A effectively develop a position on the topic
with a clear and coherent thesis statement. They support their position by
successfully synthesizing at least two examples to effectively develop a
position. The prose demonstrates an ability to control a wide range of the
elements of effective writing but is not necessarily flawless. Essay utilizes
both the novel and the article to effectively and skillfully prove the thesis.
B:
Essays earning the score of a B adequately develop a position on the
topic with a clear thesis. They synthesize at least two examples. The
writers argument is generally convincing, and the writer generally uses
the examples to support a position, but the argument is less developed or
less cogent than the arguments of essays earning higher scores. The
language may contain lapses in diction or syntax, but generally the prose
is clear. Essay utilizes both the novel and the article adequately to prove
thesis.
C:
Essays earning a score of a C develop a position on the topic. They support
the position by synthesizing at least two examples, but their arguments are
somewhat limited, inconsistent, or uneven. The argument is generally
clear, and the examples generally support the students position, but the
links between the sources and the argument may be strained. The writing
may contain lapses in diction or syntax, but it usually conveys the
students ideas adequately. Essay utilizes both the novel and the article to

help prove thesis.

F:
Essays earning a score of a D inadequately develop a position on the
topic. They attempt to present an argument and support the position by
synthesizing at least two example but may misunderstand, misrepresent,
or oversimplify either their own argument or the examples they include. In
some cases the writer may only support argument with one example. The
link between the argument and the sources is weak. The prose of F essays
may suggest immature control of writing. Essay inadequately utilizes both
the novel and/or the article or may omit the use of one or both altogether.
**When rubric says examples that does not mean concrete details. Two examples
could possible generate four concrete details to support the point of view.
If one of your examples is that the meaning of Hesters scarlet letter changes. You
could choose one concrete detail from the beginning of the story and one from after
the letter changes meaning.