AP Style Rubric for Invisible Man Responses

AP English Literature and Composition 9-point Rubric Adapted for Summer Session #2 Post-Class Assignment on Invisible Man

Essays earning a score of 9 meet the criteria for 8 papers and, in addition, are especially full or apt in their analysis or demonstrate particularly impressive control of language.

Essays earning a score of 8 respond to the prompt convincingly. They show a perceptive, precise understanding of how particular elements found throughout the novel contribute to the work as a whole. The textual references are apt and specific, demonstrating a command of the text. Their prose demonstrates an ability to control a wide range of the elements of effective writing but is not flawless.

Essays earning a score of 7 fit the description of 6 essays but provide a more complete analysis or demonstrate a more mature prose style.

Essays earning a score of 6 adequately respond to the prompt. They show a plausible, reasonable understanding of how particular elements found throughout the novel contribute to the work as a whole, but their discussion is more limited. The writing may contain lapses in diction or syntax, but generally the prose is clear.

Essays earning a score of 5 analyze the relationship between elements found throughout the novel and the work as a whole, but they may provide uneven or inconsistent analysis. They may treat the prompt in a superficial way or demonstrate a limited understanding of the prompt. For example, a theme (identity, for example) might be mentioned as important to the work as a whole, might be shown to be present in particular scenes, but never adequately explained or analyzed. (What does the scene and/or work as a whole suggest about identity?) While the writing may contain lapses in diction or syntax, it usually conveys ideas adequately.

Essays earning a score of 4 respond to the prompt inadequately. They may misrepresent the work as a whole, analyze the individual elements (scenes, motifs, etc.) inaccurately, or offer little discussion of specific aspects of the novel. The prose generally conveys the writer's ideas but may suggest immature control of writing.

Essays earning a score of 3 meet the criteria of the score of 4 but are less perceptive about the prompt or less consistent in controlling the elements of writing.

Essays earning a score of 2 demonstrate little success in responding to the prompt. These essays may offer vague generalizations, substitute simpler tasks such as summarizing the novel’s plot. The prose often demonstrates consistent weaknesses in writing.

Essays earning a score of 1 meet the criteria for the score of 2 but are undeveloped, especially simplistic in discussion, or weak in their control of language.

Indicates an on-topic response that receives no credit such as one that merely repeats the prompt or one that is completely off topic.