Five-Point Scoring Rubric

 

1

Experimenting

2

Emerging

3

Developing

4

Effective

5

Strong

Ideas

The meaning and development of the message

· Searching for a topic

· Limited information

· Vague details

· Random thoughts

·    Hints at topic

·    Reader left with many unanswered questions

·    Sporadic details

·    Glimmer of main point

· General topic defined

· Reasonably clear ideas

· Details present but not

  precise

· Shows some specifics

·    Topic fairly narrowed

·    New ways of thinking about topic attempted

·    Credible details with some support

·    Writer understands topic

·    Narrow and manageable topic

·    Clear, focused, and answers readers’ questions

·    Relevant, accurate details

·    Shows insight into topic

Organization

The internal structure of the piece

· No lead or conclusion

· Sequencing not present

· No awareness of pacing

· Hard to follow

·    Ineffective lead and conclusion

·    Some sequencing apparent

·    Pacing awkward

·    Some attempt at structure

· Routine lead and conclusion

· Mainly logical sequencing

· Pacing generally under

  control

· Common structures detract 

   from content

·     Effective lead and conclusion effective

·     Sequencing works well

·     Well-controlled pacing

·     Smooth flow

·     Inviting introduction and satisfying conclusion

·     Masterful sequencing

·     Artful pacing used for stylistic effect

·     Structure showcases the central ideas or theme

Voice

The way the writer brings the topic to life

· No concern for audience

· Lifeless and mechanical

· Flat or inappropriate

· Purpose not present

·    Occasionally aware of audience

·    General statements require ready interpretation

·    Tries to engage reader

·    Hints at purpose

· Occasionally intrigues the reader

· Pleasing, yet “safe”

· Writer/reader connection fades in and out

· Purpose inconsistent

·    Interesting and informative

·    Pleasing; takes risks

·    Engages reader most of the time

·    Purpose consistent

·    Compelling and engaging

·    Takes effective risks

·    Reflects interest in and commitment to topic

·    Purpose is clear and powerful

Word Choice

The specific vocabulary the writer uses to convey meaning

· Vocabulary is limited

· Simple words used incorrectly

· No figurative language

· Words do not convey meaning

·    Generally correct words; no spice

·    Language is functional

·    Attempts interesting words

·    Words convey general meaning

· Some active verbs and precise nouns

· A moment or two of sparkle

· Experiments with figurative language

· Words begin to enhance meaning

·     Effective and creative verbs and nouns

·     Wording mostly correct

·     Figurative language is effective

·     Words and phrases work well

·     Powerful and engaging words

·     Wording is accurate and precise

·     Artful use of figurative language

·     Words/language create meaningful pictures

Sentence Fluency

The way the words and phrases flow throughout the text

· Choppy, rambling, or incomplete

· No “sentence sense”

· Oral reading not possible

· Repetitive beginnings

·    Some simple sentences

·    Occasional connecting word use

·    Oral reading difficult

·    Attempts variation in sentence beginnings

· Attempts compound and complex sentences

· Sentences usually connect

· Parts invite oral reading

· Sentences begin in different ways

·     Begins to have easy flow and rhythm

·     Strong and varied structure

·     Oral reading encourages expression in places

·     Sentences well crafted

·     Polished rhythm, cadence, and flow

·     Creative use of sentence length and structure

·     Invites expressive reading

·     Sentences enhance meaning

Conventions

The mechanical correctness of the piece

· Spelling errors impede readability

· Incorrect punctuation and capitalization

· Many grammar errors

· Lack of paragraphing

·    Spelling errors on easy words

·    Errors on basic punctuation and capitalization

·    Some usage and grammar errors

·    Occasional use of paragraphing

· Spelling generally correct on basic words

· Routine punctuation and capitalization

· Grammar errors infrequent

· Consistent paragraphing

·    Few spelling errors even on more difficult words

·    Consistent use of punctuation and capitalization

·    Grammar and usage correct

·    Paragraphing stylistically effective

·    Spelling correct even on more difficult words

·    Accurate and creative use of punctuation and capitalization

·    Grammar and usage contribute to clarity and style

·    Sound and creative paragraphing

Presentation

The overall appearance of the work

· Handwriting unreadable

· Random spacing or lack of spacing

· Poor use of white space

· Overall appearance unacceptable

· Handwriting poor

· Some thought given to   

  spacing

· Attempts at margins/headers

· Overall appearance is distracting

· Handwriting mostly readable but inconsistent

· Attempts consistent spacing

· Margins and headers effective

· Overall appearance is acceptable

·     Legible handwriting

·     Spacing improves clarity

·     Experiments with graphic elements

·     Overall appearance shows balance and proportion

·     Consistent and uniform handwriting

·     Good balance of space and text

·     Effectively integrates graphic elements

·     Overall appearance is pleasing