Rhetorical Precis Scoring Criteria

Precis Scoring Criteria                                                                    Student Name_________________________

Each sentence must contain the items indicated below.  However, if the sentence is not grammatically and stylistically sound, no points will be awarded. Tip: When you think you have written a great sentence, read it aloud and check for issues.

Sentence One:

Name of the author (short descriptor of credentials, if available)	2
Publishing details	1
Type and title of the work	2
A rhetorically accurate verb	3
A “that” clause in which the main argument is accurately identified	5

                                                                                                                                                                Total        __________ Sentence Two:

Accurate identification and inclusion of the major rhetorical moves.	5
An explanation of how the author develops and/or supports the main argument.  In other words, not just a list of rhetorical moves, but rather the identification of the move and what it does.	10
A chronologically accurate presentation of the rhetorical moves.	5

Total          ___________

Sentence Three:

The author’s purpose	5
An “in order to” phrase which explains what the author wants the audience to do or feel or think as a result of reading the work.	5

                                                                                                                                                                Total          ___________

Sentence Four:

A description of the intended audience	2
An accurate description of the tone (the relationship the author establishes with his/her audience and his/her feelings about the subject matter).	5

                                                                                                                                                                Total        ___________

Overall Score __________/50