Score

Content and Development

Organization

Voice

Conventions

4

Presents a clear central idea about the topic.

Fully develops the central idea using insightful and relevant details.

Sustains focus on central idea throughout the writing.

A clear organizational strategy is present; there is evidence of a plan for presenting information.

There is a logical progression of ideas, and smooth transitions between them.

There is a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Rules of standard English usage are applied consistently; there may be minor errors in standard forms.

Sentences are constructed correctly; the ability to form sophisticated structures is displayed.

There are few errors in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Errors, when present, do not detract from the writer’s meaning.

3

Presents a central idea about the topic.

Attempts to develop the central idea, but details presented may be general or the elaboration may be uneven.

Focus is generally sustained but may shift slightly.

A clear organizational strategy is present.

There is usually a logical progression of ideas.

There is an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Uses precise and vivid vocabulary appropriate for the topic.

Phrasing is effective, not predictable or obvious.

Varies sentence structures to promote rhythmic reading.

Strongly aware of audience; tone is consistent and appropriate.

Rules of standard English usage are usually applied; there may be a few errors in standard written English.

Sentences are usually constructed correctly; more sophisticated structures may not be attempted or done correctly.

There are some errors in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Errors do not interfere with the writer’s meaning.

2

Central idea may be unclear.

Details may be sparse; more information is needed to clarify the central idea.

Focus may shift or be lost causing confusion for the reader.

There is some evidence of an organizational strategy.

The progression of ideas may be simplistic, repetitious, or somewhat random.

Attempts an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Uses both general and precise vocabulary.

Phrasing may not be effective and may be predictable or obvious.

Some sentence variety that results in reading that is sometimes rhythmic ; may be mechanical.

Aware of audience; tone is appropriate.

Rules of standard English usage are applied inconsistently; there is a pattern of errors in standard written English.

Sentences may be limited to simple constructions or be incorrect.

There are many errors in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Errors interfere with the writer’s meaning.

1

There is no clear central idea.

Details are absent or confusing.

There is no sense of focus.

No plan for presenting information is evident.

Information is presented in random order.

May lack an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Uses simplistic vocabulary.

Phrasing may be repetitive, or confusing. 

There is little sentence variety; reading is monotonous.

There is little awareness of audience; tone may be inappropriate.

Rules of standard English are not applied; there are frequent and serious errors in standard written English.

Sentences are generally incorrectly formed.

There are frequent and serious errors in capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Errors distort the writer’s meaning.

0

Off topic, illegible, or an insufficient amount of original writing to evaluate.

Off topic, illegible, or an insufficient amount of original writing to evaluate.

Off topic, illegible, or an insufficient amount of original writing to evaluate.

Off topic, illegible, or an insufficient amount of original writing to evaluate.