CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

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.

Sequencing (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.

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.

Conventions

Demonstrates proper usage of spelling, caps, punct, grammar, usage, sent struct to communicate ideas

Generally demonstrates proper usage of spelling, caps, punct, grammar, usage, sent struct to communicate ideas

Some errors in proper usage of spelling, caps, punct, grammar, usage, sent struct to communicate ideas

Frequent errors in proper usage of spelling, caps, punct, grammar, usage, sent struct to communicate ideas

Science Content

Demonstrates understanding of concepts: weather follows patterns, change in weather often occurs along fronts, warm fronts are followed by warm air and cold fronts followed by cold air, maps are used to show weather patterns and make predictions

Generally demonstrates understanding of concepts: weather follows patterns, change in weather often occurs along fronts, warm fronts are followed by warm air and cold fronts followed by cold air, maps are used to show weather patterns and make predictions

Partially demonstrates understanding of concepts: weather follows patterns, change in weather often occurs along fronts, warm fronts are followed by warm air and cold fronts followed by cold air, maps are used to show weather patterns and make predictions

Doesnt communicate concept of: weather follows patterns, change in weather often occurs along fronts, warm fronts are followed by warm air and cold fronts followed by cold air, maps are used to show weather patterns and make predictions

Literary Elements

Demonstrates proper use of one simile and one personification

Demonstrates either one simile or one personification

Shows understanding of some literary elements

Unable to demonstrate literary elements through writings