Writing rubric

Categories	Strong “In control” 5	Developing “Coming along ” 3	Not there yet 1
Ideas	-clear and focused -holds attention -rich with details and anecdotes -fresh, original treatment of ideas -easy to understand	-adequate but mundane treatment of ideas -some attempt at support or expansion but key issues or story line not fleshed out or confused by irrelevant detail -all events assume equal importance	-unclear -leaves reader hungry for details -text may be repetitious, confusing or disconnected -random thoughts
Organization	-order, structure or presentation of information is compelling and moves the reader through the text -flows smoothly -inviting introduction draws reader in -satisfying conclusion -thoughtful, smooth transitions	-structure moves reader through text without confusion -recognizable introduction and conclusion -connections between ideas may be unclear at times	- a clear sense of direction is not evident -ideas may be strung together loosely Ineffective or nonexistent lead and conclusion -hard to determine the main point
Voice	-tone of writing is individual and engaging, appropriate to purpose and audience -writer has taken risks by revealing himself -commitment to topic	-writing contains generalities and few personal insight -tone may be pleasant and “safe” -individual perspective or sincerity is not evident	Style doesn’t match audience or purpose -monotone, flat writing -lifeless, risk-free
Word choice	-powerful, engaging words, convey the intended impression in a precise, interesting and natural way -phrases create pictures, linger in reader’s mind	-words are adequate , correct -attempts at colorful language may go too far -passive verbs, mundane nouns, some adjectives and adverbs	-vocabulary may be vague and immature -cliches, jargom -guess at meaning
Sentence fluency	-natural flow to sentences -are well-constructed with strong and varied structure -cadance invites oral reading	-text seems more pleasant and businesslike than musical -sentences are generally correct with some variety in length and structure	-sentences choppy or awkward -most sentences are simple in structure and begin the same way -frequent connective
Conventions	-writer demonstrates a grasp of standard writing conventions -some minor errors	-reasonable control over conventions -some misspellings, errors in internal punctuation, attempts paragraphing	-frequent errors in conventions may interfere with reading