Ideas and Content
4: There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information. Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable.
3: Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general. Supporting details and information are relevant, but one key issue or portion of the storyline is unsupported. 2: Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information. Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues or portions of the storyline are unsupported. 1: The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information.Supporting details and information are typically unclear or not related to the topic. |
Organization
4: Details are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader. The pacing is well-controlled. The writer knows when to slow down and elaborate, and when to pick up the pace and move on.
3: Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting. The pacing is generally well-controlled but the writer occasionally does not elaborate enough. 2: Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader. The pacing is generally well-controlled but the writer sometimes repeats the same point over and over, or spends too much time on details that don't matter. 1: Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is organized. The pacing often feels awkward to the reader. The writer elaborates when there is little need, and then leaves out necessary supporting information. |
Word Choice
4: Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced.
3: Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. 2: Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. 1: Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or cliches may be present and detract from the meaning. |
Voice
4: The writer seems to be writing from knowledge or experience.
3: The writer seems to be drawing on knowledge or experience, but there is some lack of ownership of the topic. 2: The writer relates some of his own knowledge or experience, but it adds nothing to the discussion of the topic. 1: 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. |
Sentence Fluency
4: All sentences are well-constructed with varied structure. Every paragraph has sentences that vary in length.
3: Most sentences are well-constructed with varied structure. Almost all paragraphs have sentences that vary in length. 2: Most sentences are well-constructed but have a similar structure. Some sentences vary in length. 1: Sentences lack structure and appear incomplete or rambling. Sentences rarely vary in length. |
Conventions
4: Writer makes very little or no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Writer makes very little or no errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the paper is exceptionally easy to read.
3: Writer makes a couple errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Writer makes a couple errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the paper is still easy to read. 2: Writer makes a few errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Writer makes a few errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and interrupt the flow. 1: Writer makes many errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Writer makes several errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and greatly interrupt the flow. |