CATEGORY

Advanced

Proficient

Partially Proficient

Developing

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.

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.

Flow & Rhythm (Sentence Fluency)

All sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud. Each sentence is clear and has an obvious emphasis.

Almost all sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but 1 or 2 are stiff and awkward or difficult to understand.

Most sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but several are stiff and awkward or are difficult to understand.

The sentences are difficult to read aloud because they sound awkward, are distractingly repetitive, or difficult to understand.

Word Choice

Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced.

Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone.

Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair.

Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or cliches may be present and detract from the meaning.

Introduction (Organization)

The introduction is inviting, states the main topic and support. Three reasons are stated in an interesting way.

The introduction clearly states the main topic and support statement. The three main reasons are stated.

The introduction states the main topic, but is missing other critical components.

There is no clear introduction of the main topic or the reasons are not stated clearly

Support for Topic (Content)

Each paragraph contains a topic sentence relating to the supporting reason, with at least two supporting details.

One paragraph may be missing in structure.

Two paragraphs may be missing in structure.

All paragraphs are missing in structure.

Conclusion (Organization)

The conclusion is strong, restates the support and reasons and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer is "getting at." It ends with a zip.

The conclusion is recognizable, and the support and reasons are restated, and ties up almost all the loose ends.

The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends. The support or reasons are not restated.

There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends.