94 ❯ STEP 3. Develop Strategies for Success
Rubrics for Alcott Essay
As we said previously in this chapter, you can view actual AP English Language and
Composition rubrics by logging on to the College Board website.High-Range Essay (9, 8, 7)- Indicates a complete understanding of the prompt
- Clearly identifies and illustrates the author’s intended effect on the reader
- Presents various rhetorical strategies, devices, and elements used by the author to re-create
her experience - Clear, well-organized, and coherent
- Demonstrates a mature writing style
- Thoroughly cites specific references from the text to illustrate and support points
being made - Minor errors/f laws, if any
Note: A 7 essay which is rated in the high range makes the jump from the mid-range
because of its more mature style and perception.
Mid-Range Essay (7, 6, 5)- The mid to high range essays identify rhetorical strategies PLUS the purpose/effect of
the strategies - Refers accurately to the prompt
- Refers accurately to the author’s intended effect on the reader
- Presents a less thorough analysis of how Alcott re-creates her experience than the higher-
rated essays - Is less adept at linking strategies and devices to the creation of effect or re-creation of
the experience - Demonstrates writing that is adequate to convey Alcott’s assertion
- May not be sensitive to the more subtle strategies employed by Alcott
- A few errors/flaws may be present
Note: - The 7 paper demonstrates a more consistent command of college-level writing than does
the 5 or 6 essay. - A 5 paper does the minimum required by the prompt. It relies on generalizations and
sketchy analysis. It is often sidetracked by plot, and the references may be limited or
simplistic.
Low-Range Essay (4, 3, 2, 1)- Does not respond adequately to the prompt
- Demonstrates insufficient and/or inadequate understanding of the passage and prompt
- Does not clearly identify the author’s intended effect on the reader or does not illustrate
or supply support for the intended effect - Underdevelops and/or inaccurately analyzes Alcott’s re-creation of her experience
- Demonstrates weak control of the elements of diction, syntax, and organization
Note: A 4 or 3 essay may do no more than paraphrase sections of the passage. A 2 essay
may merely summarize the passage. (NO MATTER HOW WELL WRITTEN, A
SUMMARY CAN NEVER EARN MORE THAN A 2.)
KEY IDEA