Writing Rubric
Writing Rubric
Writing Rubric
Levels (Criteria)
Dimensions Strong Developing Not There Yet Points
(Categories) "In Control" "Coming Along"
5 3 1
-clear and focussed -adequate but mundane treatment of -unclear
-holds attention ideas -leaves reader hungry
-rich with details and anecdotes -some attempt at support or for details
IDEAS -fresh, original treatment of ideas expansion but key issues or story line -text may be repetitious,
-easy to understand not fleshed out or confused by confusing or
irrelevant detail disconnected
-all events assume equal importance - random thoughts
-order, structure or presentation of -structure moves reader through text -a clear sense of
information is compelling and moves the without confusion direction is not evident
reader through the text -recognizable introduction and -ideas may be strung
-flows smoothly conclusion together loosely
ORGANIZATION -inviting introduction draws reader in -connections between ideas may be -ineffective or
-satisfying conclusion unclear at times nonexistent lead and
-thoughtful, smooth transitions conclusion
-hard to determine the
main point
-tone of writing is individual and -writing contains generalities and -style does not match
engaging, appropriate to purpose and few personal insight audience or purpose
audience -tone may be pleasant and "safe" -monotone, flat writing
VOICE -writer has taken risks by revealing -individual perspective or sincerity is -lifeless, risk-free
himself not evident
-commitment to topic
-powerful, engaging words, convey the -words are adequate, correct -vocabulary may be
intended impression in a precise, -attempts at colourful language may vague and immature
interesting and natural way go too far -clichés, jargon
WORD CHOICE -phrases create pictures, linger in reader's -passive verbs, mundane nouns, -guess at meaning
mind some adjectives and adverbs
-natural flow to sentences -text seems more pleasant and -sentences choppy or
-sentences are well-constructed with businesslike than musical awkward
SENTENCE strong and varied structure -sentences are generally correct with -most sentences are
FLUENCY -cadence invites oral reading some variety in length and structure simple in structure and
begin the same way
-frequent connectives
-writer demonstrates a grasp of standard -reasonable control over conventions -frequent errors in
CONVENTIONS writing conventions -some misspellings, errors in internal conventions may
-some minor errors punctuation, attempted paragraphing interfere with reading