General Rubric for Writing Categories 5 4 3 2 1 Ideas and Content Fresh, original treatment of ideas; theme from start to finish, with relevant, strong supporting detail. Clear, focused, interesting ideas with appropriate details that enhance the main idea. Evident main idea with some supporting details; may lack focus or contain bits of irrelevant material or gaps in needed information. Some attempt to support, but main theme may be too general or confused by irrelevant details. Writing lacks a central idea; development in minimal or non-existant. Organization Effectively organized in a logical and creative way; has a unique and engaging introduction and conclusion. Structure moves the reader smoothly through the text; well organized with an inviting introduction and a satisfying closure. Organization is appropriate, but conventional. There is an obvious attempt at an introduction and conclusion. An effort has been made to organize the piece, but it may be a “list” of events. The introduction and conclusion are not well developed. A lack of structure makes this piece hard to follow. Lead and conclusion may be weak or Voice Passionate, compelling, energetic; shows emotions such as humour, honesty, pathos, suspense or liveliness; strong sense of audience and purpose. Expressive, engaging, sincere tone that speaks to the reader. The writer behind the words comes through clearly. Voice is generally appropriate to audience and purpose. Tone is pleasant, but not distinctive; may have `sparks` of interest or emotion. Voice may be mechanical or erratic. The writer seems to lack a sense of audience. Writing tends to be flat or lifeless. Style does not suit audience or purpose. Word Choice Carefully chose words convey strong, fresh, vivid images consistently throughout the piece. Word choice is functional and appropriate. The writer has made some attempt at description, which sometimes may see overdone. Words are likely to be correct, but lack flair. The writer may overuse generalised words and modifiers. Word choice is monotonous; may be repetitious or immature. The writer uses patterns of conversation rather than book language. Vocabulary ranges is limited and may be inappropriate.
Categories continued 5 4 3 2 1 Sentence Fluency High degree of craftsmanship in sentence length and form; the writing sounds rhythmical to read aloud. Easy flow and rhythm to most of the piece; good variety in sentence length and structure. The writer is generally in control of sentence structure, but sentences often follow a similar structure without much variation for effect. Generally in control, but lacking variety in length and structure. No `sentence sense`; or choppy sentences predominate. Conventions The paper contains few, if any errors in conventions. The writer shows control over a wide range of conventions beyond expectations. Some errors may result from with words and sentences. The writer shows strong control of conventions. Writing is generally correct, but may be Occasional errors are noticeable, but minor. The writer uses conventions with enough skills to make the paper readable. More frequent errors, inappropriate to the grade level, are evident but the reader can still follow the piece. Errors in conventions make the writing difficult to follow. The writer seems to know some conventions, but confuses many more.