Written Expression Grading Rubric

The students will be doing a variety of writing this year.  Writing samples will be graded using the following rubric.  Please use this as a reference when reviewing work. 

4=

  • Focuses on the topic, clearly addresses the purpose (mode), has ample supporting details
  • Has a logical structure that flows naturally with a beginning, middle and end 
  • Has a sense of wholeness
  • Has an effective use of language with a variety of words and sentence patterns
  • Shows an awareness of word usage and spelling patterns in commonly used words
  • Exhibits the use of capital letters at the beginning of sentences and for proper nouns
  • Contains correct punctuation
  • (A four-point response may go beyond the requirements of the prompt)

3=

  • Relates to the topic and generally addresses the purpose (mode)
  • Contains adequate supporting details  
  • Has a logical order with an apparent beginning, middle and end, although some lapses may occur
  • Has generally adequate word choices and sentences which are mostly complete
  • Shows an awareness of word usage and spelling patterns in commonly used words
  • May have occasional word usage, spelling, and punctuation errors that do not interfere with the message
  • Has correct capitalization at the beginning of sentences and for proper nouns.

2=

  • Attempts to address the purpose (mode)
  • Demonstrates an awareness of the topic, but may include extraneous or loosely related material
  • Includes some supporting details
  • Shows an attempt at organizing the paper around a beginning, middle and end
  • Uses limited vocabulary and has word usage and spelling errors that interfere with the message
  • Shows knowledge of capitalization at the beginning of sentences and for proper nouns
  • Shows knowledge of the conventions of punctuation

1=

  • May or may not attempt to address the purpose (mode)
  • Offers few details and is only slightly related to the topic
  • Exhibits little or no evidence of an organizational structure; the beginning, middle or end of the response may be poorly defined or nonexistent
  • Uses limited or inappropriate vocabulary that obscures meaning
  • Has gross errors in sentence structure, word usage and spelling that impede communication
  • Has frequent and blatant errors in capitalization at the beginning of sentences and for proper nouns
  • Has frequent and blatant errors in basic punctuation

NS=

  • An N/S (not scorable) is assigned if there is no response or if the response is unreadable, illegible, off task or written in a language other than English.