Castle Project Essay Rubric – World History Pre-AP - Mr.

Duez
Student Name(s) _________________________________________________________ PD:

CASTLE PROJECT NAME: _____________________________________________________

Each aspect of the essay is graded on a scale. The highest score in the range means that the student was
complete and had a total command over the area graded. Zero means that the aspect was missing or completely
wrong. Totals in between denote amount of success in the category. Sixty points of the project was the product
(castle model or poster) (30) and presentation (30). The essay is worth forty points. The total grade on the project is
at the bottom.

ESSAY PROMPT: Compare your castle to an actual castle and explain the similarities and
differences between the actual castle and your design. Underline the thesis. Explain the location
and geography of your castle and give it a name. Describe your coat of arms. Describe the castle
and explain how your castle would keep its people safe. Be sure to conclude at the end and explain
how your castle is similar to or different from an actual real castle that you researched.

Introduction and Thesis

(Student name, period, and date (heading), clearly underlined thesis [comparison of your created
castle to a real castle in the world in 1 or 2 sentences], stays on topic, there is an introductory
sentence in each paragraph relating the paragraph to your thesis. If there is no underlined thesis =
0, If there is no heading = 0 for this category.)
5-4-3-2-1-0
Explanation:

Clarity and Originality of Thought

(A distinct beginning and ending, with a thoughtful essay in between, the essay is logically
structured with vivid details, fresh word choice, creativity, and risk-taking. Also the essay will
compare your created castle to the real life castle in terms of look, function/design,
location/geography, defensive system, and historical story.)
5-4-3-2-1-0
Explanation:

Sources Cited in MLA Format

(Cite information from sources to compare your created castle to a real world one. You must cite
information that is not common knowledge and give the author or website credit. Author's last
name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken must appear in the
text, and a complete reference should appear on your Works Cited page in MLA format. You have
at least 3 sources and have cited all works used in the essay.)
10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0
Explanation:

Freedom from Error

(Spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage, free of mechanical errors, is not sloppy)
10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0
Explanation:

Success
(You successfully compare your castle to a real castle. Your thesis is developed and proven; the
essay has a strong conclusion and its premise “works.” Reader learns about your castle and
understands the purpose of castles have been historically created to do.)
10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 0
Explanation:
Overall Essay Score: ________________