CATEGORY

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Focus on Topic (Content)

There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information.

Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general.

Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information.

The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information.

Adding Personality (Voice)

The writer seems to be writing from knowledge or experience. The author has taken the ideas and made them "his own."

The writer seems to be drawing on knowledge or experience, but there is some lack of ownership of the topic.

The writer relates some of his own knowledge or experience, but it adds nothing to the discussion of the topic.

The writer has not tried to transform the information in a personal way. The ideas and the way they are expressed seem to belong to someone else.

Grammar & Spelling (Conventions)

Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Capitalization & Punctuation (Conventions)

Writer makes no errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the paper is exceptionally easy to read.

Writer makes 1 or 2 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the paper is still easy to read.

Writer makes a few errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and interrupt the flow.

Writer makes several errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and greatly interrupt the flow.

Discussion Responses

Discussion responses to peers are timely and thoughtful. New ideas are introduced or opinions are supported. The response remains on topic.

Discussion responses to peers are late, but the quality of the post shares a new idea or a supported opinion. The response remains on topic.

Discussion responses are off topic, or do not share new ideas or supported opinions.

Discussion responses show little reflection and are not timely.

Completion of Assignments

Writer participated in all requested discussions and postings. Writers responded to one or more peers during discussion postings.

Writer participated in the majority of required discussions and responded to one peer.

Writer participation in discussion posting and peer responses was not consistent.

Writer posted but did not respond to other peers.