CATEGORY

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3

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1

Hook or Lead Line

Opening sentence is extremely interesting, engaging, and completely captures the attention of the reader.

Opening sentence is mildly interesting and may capture the attention of the reader.

Some attempt has been made to begin with an interesting opening sentence, but it is not clearly developed.

Paragraph does not contain a hook or lead line.

7-10 Sentences

Paragraph contains more than 10 sentences.

Paragraph contains 7-10 sentences.

Paragraph contains 4-6 sentences.

Paragraph contains 1-3 sentences.

Content Organization

Content is extremely organized and well-developed. Transitions are smooth and clearly connect sentences and ideas.

Content is organized reasonably well but is underdeveloped, or lacks clarity. Transitions are somewhat smooth and generally connect sentences and ideas.

Some attempt is made to organize the paragraph, but it is poorly done, underdeveloped, or lacks clarity. Some attempt has been made to include smooth transitions to connect sentences and ideas.

There is a total lack of structure and organization.

Capitalization

Paragraph contains no errors in capitalization.

Paragraph contains few errors in capitalization.

Paragraph contains many errors in capitalization.

Paragraph contains multiple errors in capitalization.

Grammar

Paragraph contains no grammatical errors (complete sentences rather than fragments, no contractions, correct verb tense usage, homonyms, etc.).

Paragraph contains few grammatical errors (fragments, use of contractions, verb tense and homonym issues, etc.).

Paragraph contains many grammatical errors (fragments, use of contractions, verb tense and homonym issues, etc.).

Paragraph contains multiple grammatical errors (fragments, use of contractions, verb tense and homonym issues, etc.).