CATEGORY

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Focus on Topic (Content)

The writing is completely focused on the topic. Each paragraph has a clearly developed topic sentence.

The writing is focused on the topic. Each paragraph has a topic sentence.

Writing is somewhat focused on the topic. Topic sentences are weak. Strays from topic at times.

Writing is not focused on topic. There is a seemingly random collection of information.

Support for Topic (Content)

Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable.

Supporting details and information are relevant, but one key issue or portion of the storyline is unsupported.

Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues or portions of the storyline are unsupported.

Supporting details and information are typically unclear or not related to the topic.

Accuracy of Facts (Content)

All supporting details are reported accurately.

Almost all supporting details are reported accurately.

Most supporting details are reported accurately.

NO details are reported OR most are inaccurately reported.

Organization

Details are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader.

Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting.

Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader.

Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is organized.

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 lack ownership.

Mechanics & Conventions

Writer makes no errors in grammar, spelling, capitalization or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. Paper is very easy to read.

Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar, spelling, capitalization, or punctuation that distract the reader from the content. Paper is easy to read.

Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Paper is difficult to read at times.

Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Paper is difficult to read.

Transitions

A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how ideas are connected.

Transitions clearly show how ideas are connected, but there is little variety.

Some transitions work well; but connections between other ideas are fuzzy.

The transitions between ideas are unclear or nonexistant.

Sentence Structure (Sentence Fluency)

All sentences are well-constructed with varied structure.

Most sentences are well-constructed with varied structure.

Most sentences are well-constructed but have a similar structure.

Sentences lack structure and appear incomplete or rambling.

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.