Compose a 750 to 1250 word essay in MLA format using one of the following questions: 

Clearly provides all necessary information and sets expectations.

Minor lack or excess of information; minor lack of clarity.

Confusing, vague or lacking.

Paragraphs consistently meet expectations; transitions very clear.

1-3 lapses in paragraphs; 1-3 problems with transitions.

So many lapses in paragraphs or problems with transitions that comprehension is difficult.

Ends paper with powerful impact; creates a fully satisfying sense of completion.

Ending works, but may be weak or does not create a good sense of completion.

Weak, confusing or missing ending.

Paper carefully and thoroughly responds to the topic, discusses both works intelligently and compares and contrasts them effectively.

Paper adequately responds to the topic; length is adequate to address the topic; there is discussion of two works of literature.

Paper does not respond effectively to the topic; length is insufficient to adequately address the topic; discussion of one work missing or incomplete.

Pleasing variety of sentence constructions; always effective and appropriate brevity, use of parallelism and/or poetic effects.

Relatively few minor errors.

Errors detract significantly from comprehension or create significant distractions.

Few to no errors (1% or less of assignment word total).

Some errors (less than 5% of word total).

Errors detract significantly from comprehension.

Sources interspersed with writer’s own analysis or synthesis; quotes are less than 10% of paper; 1-5 minor errors in documentation.

Sources interspersed with writer’s own work; quotes are less than 20% of paper; more than 5 minor errors in documentation.

Sources strung together with little of the writer’s own work; quotes are 50% or more of paper; citations missing or with major errors; plagiarism.