CATEGORY |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Introduction (Organization) |
The introduction is inviting, states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper. |
The introduction clearly states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper, but is not particularly inviting to the reader. |
The introduction states the main topic, but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to the reader. |
There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the paper. |
Sequencing(Organization) |
Details are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectivelykeeps the interest of the reader. |
Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they arepresented/introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting. |
Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader. |
Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing isorganized. |
Transitions(Organization) |
A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how ideas are connected. |
Transitions clearly show how ideas are connected, but there is little variety. |
Some transitions work well; but connections between other ideas are fuzzy. |
The transitions between ideas are unclear or nonexistant. |
Focus on Topic (Content) |
There is one clear, well-focused topic.Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information. |
Main idea is clear but the supportinginformation is general. |
Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information. |
The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information. |
Conclusion (Organization) |
The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer is "getting at." |
The conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all the loose ends. |
The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends. |
There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends. |
Flow & Rhythm (SentenceFluency) |
All sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud. Each sentence is clear and has anobvious emphasis. |
Almost all sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but 1 or 2 are stiff and awkward or difficult to understand. |
Most sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but several are stiff and awkward or are difficult to understand. |
The sentences are difficult to read aloud because they sound awkward, are distractinglyrepetitive, or difficult to understand. |
Adding Personality (Voice) |
The writer seems to be writing from knowledge or experience. The author has taken the ideas and made them "his own." |
The writer seems to bedrawing on knowledge or experience, but there is some lack ofownership of the topic. |
The writer relatessome of his own knowledge or experience, but it adds nothing to the discussion of the topic. |
The writer has not tried to transform the information in a personal way. The ideas and the way they areexpressed seem to belong to someone else. |
Sentence Structure(Sentence Fluency) |
All sentences are well-constructedwith varied structure. |
Most sentences are well-constructed with varied structure. |
Most sentences are well-constructed but have a similar structure. |
Sentences lackstructure and appear incomplete or rambling. |
Grammar & Spelling (Conventions) |
Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. |
Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. |
Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. |
Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. |
Sources (Content) |
All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. |
All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and most are cited correctly. |
Most sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. |
Many sources used for quotes and facts are less than credible (suspect) and/or are not cited correctly. |