1-Relevance: Engaged with
the question in a
particularly well focused and
imaginative way
2- Strength of Argument: Very perceptive; detailed;
very well-developed;
thoroughly consistent; fully
convincing.
3-Use of Evidence: Impressive command of
textual evidence; excellent
handling of pertinent
quotations
4-Presentation : Creative and subtle use of
language; excellent command of
grammar, spelling, punctuation,
paragraphing; full references and
bibliography presented in
accordance with scholarly
conventions.
5- Research: Extensive and apposite, with
evidence of strong critical
engagement.
6- use recent resources MLA
7- Structure
Introduction: sets out what topics and you will discuss, breaks down the different parts of
the essay, overview of your chosen theory (introduce the theory, your approach to it, and the
text you will apply it to)
Main body: contains the analytical content, quotations from and discussion of your chosen
text, application of your theory, develops your argument in logical steps through a series of
paragraphs which make explicit statements of transitions connections between points
Conclusion: summarize and reflect on what the essay has done, what you have learned
from applying the theory and what your reader should take from what you’ve done
Additional structural elements specific to a literary theory essay
Try to include the following
Clear statement of what theory you wish to discuss/apply
Brief definition of what the theory is (e.g. a couple of sentences, maybe including a
summarizing quote from a guide to literary theory)
For definitions, use of a dictionary of literary terms or critical theory rather than
a standard dictionary. 3 good sources are available from LION/Oxford Reference
Online: The Columbia Dictionary of Modern Literary and Cultural Criticism, Oxford
Dictionary of Literary Theory, Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms.
why it is applicable (e.g. a psychoanalytic discussion of a gothic text might highlight
the shared interest in what’s hidden/repressed, interest in dreams and the
unconscious etc.)
your reason for choosing to discuss this theory (e.g. political relevance, importance
to chosen texts/to your own writing, wish to critique the theory if you do not agree
with it)
Use of published guide or textbook on literary theory (list of these in the module
guide, some are available free online) NB published doesn’t necessarily mean
printed: Mary Klages’ Literary Theory: A Guide for the Perplexed is available as an
ebook from U library; Cambridge Companion to Feminist Literary Theory is on
