NLC English Department Visual Analysis Paper Rubric CRITERIA Excellent (18-20 points) Proficient (16-17 points) Satisfactory (14-15 points) Unsatisfactory (12-13 points) Deficient (0-12 points) Thesis Engaging opening that introduces the paper’s topic, a problem, research question, purpose, and method for writing; the thesis is an easily identifiable, well-phrased argument that recognizes the intended message, as well as its purpose and audience. The thesis reflects sound critical, interpretive, and analytical thinking; title and author of work are appropriately identified. Generally engaging opening; areas to be strengthened may include presentation of general topic, development of transition between general opening and specific thesis statement; thesis statement is phrased as an argument but may be strengthened through clarification of the main idea being offered and purpose. Recognizes the broad intended message but misses some nuances. Opening is functional but too brief and/or simplistic; topic is apparent but needs to be developed to engage the reader; weak sense of purpose and claim; paragraph topics are vague or disconnected from the thesis; thesis may be too general, vague, or imprecisely presented; thesis may not directly address the prompt. Recognizes the intended message and its purpose but does not demonstrate knowledge of its significance. Opening is ineffective, poorly organized, and underdeveloped; thesis statement may summarize plot points rather than present argument about text or may be missing; thesis may not address the prompt or a viable topic; author and/or title of image may not be referenced properly Does not identify the deeper purpose of the image. Fails to fulfill the requirements of the assignment. Development Each paragraph clearly connects to the thesis and offers identifiable, well-phrased ideas to be fully argued in each paragraph; concrete details are incorporated in the body paragraphs and describe the image and the different elements used; paragraphs are well-organized to create a coherent, carefully developed and supported argument; transitions between ideas are logical and each idea builds on the preceding. Each paragraph generally connects to the thesis but one or more main ideas may need to be clarified; concrete details are generally well-chosen though some may be irrelevant or insufficient as evidence to effectively support the thesis and/or paragraph; recognizes the relationship between the image and its physical characteristics; paragraphs are generally well-organized, although some transitions may be awkward; focus and control of argument may need improvement because the point of a paragraph may not always be clear. Supporting ideas within body paragraphs are present but weak in one or more following areas: main idea not discernible, a fact about the text is summarized, and/or unclear connections to thesis exist.  Concrete details are present but weak because they provide in ...

1. NLC English Department Visual Analysis Paper Rubric
CRITERIA
Excellent
(18-20 points)
Proficient
(16-17 points)
Satisfactory
(14-15 points)
Unsatisfactory
(12-13 points)
Deficient
(0-12 points)
Thesis
Engaging opening that introduces the paper’s topic, a problem,
research question, purpose, and method for writing; the thesis is
an easily identifiable, well-phrased argument that recognizes
the intended message, as well as its purpose and audience. The
thesis reflects sound critical, interpretive, and analytical
thinking; title and author of work are appropriately identified.
Generally engaging opening; areas to be strengthened may
include presentation of general topic, development of transition
between general opening and specific thesis statement; thesis
statement is phrased as an argument but may be strengthened
through clarification of the main idea being offered and
purpose. Recognizes the broad intended message but misses
some nuances.
Opening is functional but too brief and/or simplistic; topic is
apparent but needs to be developed to engage the reader; weak
sense of purpose and claim; paragraph topics are vague or
disconnected from the thesis; thesis may be too general, vague,
or imprecisely presented; thesis may not directly address the
prompt. Recognizes the intended message and its purpose but

2. does not demonstrate knowledge of its significance.
Opening is ineffective, poorly organized, and underdeveloped;
thesis statement may summarize plot points rather than present
argument about text or may be missing; thesis may not address
the prompt or a viable topic; author and/or title of image may
not be referenced properly Does not identify the deeper purpose
of the image.
Fails to fulfill the requirements of the assignment.
Development
Each paragraph clearly connects to the thesis and offers
identifiable, well-phrased ideas to be fully argued in each
paragraph; concrete details are incorporated in the body
paragraphs and describe the image and the different elements
used; paragraphs are well-organized to create a coherent,
carefully developed and supported argument; transitions
between ideas are logical and each idea builds on the preceding.
Each paragraph generally connects to the thesis but one or more
main ideas may need to be clarified; concrete details are
generally well-chosen though some may be irrelevant or
insufficient as evidence to effectively support the thesis and/or
paragraph; recognizes the relationship between the image and
its physical characteristics; paragraphs are generally well-
organized, although some transitions may be awkward; focus
and control of argument may need improvement because the
point of a paragraph may not always be clear.
Supporting ideas within body paragraphs are present but weak
in one or more following areas: main idea not discernible, a fact
about the text is summarized, and/or unclear connections to
thesis exist. Concrete details are present but weak because they
provide insufficient evidence to support the body paragraph
and/or lack insightful inference. Paragraphs identify the type of
image and some physical characteristics. Lack of coherent
organization of ideas within paragraphs; abrupt transitions that
impede flow.
Topic sentences absent or consistently lack focused ideas, either
offering general, irrelevant comments or stating facts about the

3. text; there is no discernible argument or point guiding the
paper; concrete details are absent or ineffective/ insufficient;
consistent lack of coherent organization of ideas within
paragraphs and from one paragraph to the next; points of
paragraphs are unclear. Identifies the type of image and some of
its physical elements.
Fails to fulfill the requirements of the assignment.
Interpretation
Recognizes all of the elements of style included in the image
and thoroughly explains their effects on the image’s message;
analyzes the image’s contextual influences and how they affect
the message; demonstrates a thorough analysis of the image, as
well as its techniques and message.
Recognizes most elements of style used in the image and
attempts to explain their effects on the image’s message;
attempts to identify the image’s contextual influences but
provides an incomplete analysis of their effects; provides a
good analysis of message and technique that is generally
comprehensive.
Discusses the elements of style used in the image, but does so in
a general sense; explains only the obvious contextual influences
of the image; overlooks some aspects of visual interpretation.
Identifies most of the elements of style used in the image, but
does not explain their significance; does not demonstrate
recognition of the image’s deeper purpose; attempt at analysis is
rudimentary.
Fails to fulfill the requirements of the assignment.
Language & Style
Paper reflects an argumentative mode of writing appropriate for
the topic; it is academic in tone; writer's voice is evident,
confident, and sophisticated; vocabulary and phrasing are
academically appropriate, persuasive, and sophisticated without
being pretentious.
Writing is generally academic in tone; writer’s voice may not be
consistently persuasive but is discernible; writing demonstrates
an awareness of the purpose to persuade; vocabulary in some

4. places may be simplistic or ineffective.
Writing tends to be mechanical in tone; writer’s voice is not
discernible in the paper; writing demonstrates inconsistent
awareness of the purpose to persuade; vocabulary tends to be
simplistic, marked by instances of informal or imprecise
diction.
Writing is mechanical in tone; writer’s voice is not discernible;
writing demonstrates no awareness of the purpose to persuade;
vocabulary is simplistic and/or inappropriate.
Fails to fulfill the requirements of the assignment.
Grammar & Mechanics
Paper includes sentence variety; effective syntax and grammar;
demonstrates a mastery of writing conventions and serves the
author’s purpose; consistent adherence to MLA guidelines;
accurate Works Cited page; absence of grammar, syntax, and
punctuation errors.
Paper’s sentences generally effective but may lack appropriate
variety (some repeated opening words and structure); syntax and
grammar may be awkward in places (but not distracting); a few
grammar and mechanical errors (but not distracting); consistent
adherence to MLA guidelines; accurate Works Cited page.
Essay sentences lack variety (frequently repeated opening words
and sentence structure); awkward syntax and grammar confuse
writer’s point and distract reader; misspellings, contractions,
fragments, referring to “you” which diminishes the academic
nature of the writing; inconsistent adherence to MLA guidelines
(but does not compromise integrity of essay); Works Cited page
may contain inaccuracies (but does not compromise the integrity
of essay).
Frequent syntax, grammar, and misspelling errors that distract
the reader; lack of adherence to MLA guidelines which
undermines the integrity of paper; inaccurate Works Cited page
compromises integrity of essay.
No adherence to MLA guidelines (missing citations, lack of
proper format); missing Works Cited page; paper is
incomprehensible.

5. TOTAL POINTS
Week 1 Assignment Worksheet
This assignment has two parts:
1. Write a 200-300 word reflection on your use of technology.
2. Complete the Technology Backup Plan worksheet.
PART 1: Tech NO or Tech KNOW? Your comfort with
technology.
In this part of the assignment, you will identify the degree to
which you are a “tool using” being and reflect upon your
current levels of technology use.
1. Complete the ‘Check Your Tech’ Home Technology
Inventory worksheet found in the Week 1 Resources area. You
do not need to turn this in.
2. Reflect on your findings during the exercise.
3. Write 200-300 words summarizing your findings while
answering the following questions.
· What surprised you about your use of technology and the
kinds of technology you use?
· Which, if any, of the technologies have more to do with your
professional life than your private life?
· What does your technology and the way you use it say about
you as a person?
Type directly into the box below. Make sure to respond to each
question above. Please proof read and spell check your work.
Continue to the next page.
PART 2: Technology Back-Up Plan

6. Unfortunately, computers crash and Internet connections fail—
usually at the most inconvenient times. It is important to have a
plan in place, just in case. After all, instructors expect
assignments to be turned in on time, regardless of technical
difficulties.
Tips:
· Update this information each time you begin a course.
· Contact your Instructor immediately if you have a technology
emergency, such as if your computer crashes.
Walden Website Addresses
If your computer is not working, you may need to access your
online courses and other university services from a different
computer. Often students do not memorize these addresses as
they are bookmarked on the computer.
Walden website address: ________________________________
Website address for accessing online courses (at Walden, this is
through your myWalden portal page):
_________________________________
Two Alternative Computers
Identify a minimum of two alternative computersthat you could
use at any time throughout the term in case your primary
computer is not working. If your home computer is your
primary computer, then you will need to list two more.
Alternative Computer 1
Location:

7. Hours:
Alternative Computer 2
Location:
Hours:
File Backup System
Backup or save your course files weekly to an external drive
(recommended), recordable CD or DVD, Flash or USB drive, or
a cloud service. or other data storage device. This ensures you
will have access to important files even if you cannot access
your computer.
I will backup files to this item, device, or place:
__________________________
File Backup Schedule
It is important to back up your files regularly. A best practice is
to select a time and day each week to complete this task, then
write it on your weekly calendar.
I will backup files on this day each week:
____________________________
Contact Information
It is important to have contact information printed out for
reference in case of a technology failure.

8. Tip: Contact your Instructor immediately when you have a
technology emergency, such as if your computer crashes. Check
the spelling of the instructor’s name in the email address. A
typo in an email address means the email won’t get through.
Technology Support Services:
Student Support Team: Technical Support
E-mail:
Phone:
Hours:
Instructor:
Name:
E-mail:
Phone:
Office:
Time zone:
Two Classmates:
Tip: You can email your classmates using the Send Email link
in the Tools area of our classroom. You can also use the Class
Café. If you offer to be someone’s backup friend, they will most
likely offer to be yours in return.

9. Classmate 1
Name:
E-mail:
Phone:
Time zone:
Classmate 2
Name:
E-mail:
Phone:
Time zone:
The last step is to save this file somewhere you can find it, and
use the following format for the file name:
WK1AssgnLastNameFirstInitial.doc.
You’re done! Print this out and save it. Or, take a picture of it
with your smart phone so you have access to the information
even if your computer is not working.
Now go to the classroom and submit this file to the Week 1
Assignment link as an attached file. If you have any trouble,
you know how to reach Technical Support.
© 2018 Laureate Education, Inc.

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