CATEGORY

4 Excellent

3 Good

2 Acceptable

1 Unacceptable

Layout - Headlines & Captions

All articles have headlines that capture the reader's attention and accurately describe the content. All articles have a byline. All graphics have captions that adequately describe the people and action in the graphic.

All articles have headlines that accurately describe the content. All articles have a byline. All graphics have captions.

Most articles have headlines that accurately describe the content. All articles have a byline. Most graphics have captions.

Articles are missing bylines OR many articles do not have adequate headlines OR many graphics do not have captions.

Spelling and Proofreading

No spelling or grammar errors remain after one or more people (in addition to the typist) read and correct the newspaper.

No more than a couple of spelling or grammar errors remain after one or more people (in addition to the typist) read and correct the newspaper.

No more than 3 spelling or grammar errors remain after one or more people (in addition to the typist) read and correct the newspaper.

Several spelling or grammar errors remain in the final copy of the newspaper.

Graphics

Graphics are in focus, are well-cropped and are clearly related to the articles they accompany.

Graphics are in focus and are clearly related to the articles they accompany.

80-100% of the graphics are clearly related to the articles they accompany.

More than 20% of the graphics are not clearly related to the articles OR no graphics were used.

Articles - Supporting Details

The details in the articles are clear, effective, and vivid 80-100% of the time.

The details in the articles are clear and pertinent 90-100% of the time.

The details in the articles are clear and pertinent 75-89% of the time.

The details in more than 25% of the articles are neither clear nor pertinent.