DOCUMENT ANALYSIS Remember, when analyzing documents be sure to: 1. the date it was made and the source a. Is it from the time period of study/a first hand account (Primary or secondary?) b. Who is the source? Are they biased? 2. What type of document is it? - Letter, photograph, essay, painting, etc. 3. Description of the document a. What does the document show? b. What purpose does the document c. Is there anything interesting about this document or something unusual?
5 4 3 2 1 Thesis Addresses the prompt and maps out the argument to be made. Contains a clearly stated thesis that identifies the major reasons used to answer the question. Contains a general stated thesis that identifies/maps out the major reasons used to answer the question. Contains a thesis that begins to identify the major reasons used to answer the question. Contains a thesis that only repeats or rephrases the question Contains no thesis Use of Documents: Effectively uses documents to support arguments Skillfully uses all documents/artifacts and: Contains no significant factual errors or misrepresentation of documents. Recognizes point of view where applicable. Draws inferences and conclusion Skillfully uses most of the documents/artifacts and: Contains a few factual errors or misrepresentations of documents Recognizes point of view where applicable. Formulates generally accurate conclusions Uses some of the documents/artifacts and: Contains little supplementary information Attempts to formulate some conclusions: may contain some factual errors. Does not recognize of view Uses little information from the documents and: Merely quotes or briefly cites documents, or misunderstands documents. Draws vague conclusions Does not recognize of view No use of documents in essay. Analysis: Makes plausible inferences and a rational argument Incorporates accurate and relevant background knowledge. Presents analysis which reflects understanding of complex issues. Incorporates accurate and relevant background knowledge. Presents analysis which reflects some understanding/analysis of complex issues. Attempts rational argument and attempts to connect outside knowledge and/or evidence from documents to the thesis. Uses minimal information from documents or copies from documents and uses minimal outside information. Analysis, although attempted is not accurate. Uses unclear or inaccurate information for documents. Includes no outside information .Fails to provide analysis. Organization and Clarity: A coherent essay with thesis, topic sentence, analysis, and conclusion Writes a well developed essay consistently demonstrating clear and logical organization including a strong introductory paragraph that includes a clear thesis and a conclusion that effectively summarizes the argument. Introductory paragraph includes a clear thesis. Body paragraphs contain topic sentences and substantial supporting evidence. Fluid writing and organization move the argument forward. Student provides basic conclusion. Unevenly developed with a general plan of organization. Introductory paragraph contains a weak thesis or thesis is misplaced. Some body paragraphs lack cohesion. Describes documents more often than draws conclusion. Essay is poorly organized. Vague or missing introduction and/ or a conclusion. Organization is not evident. Does not include an introduction or conclusion