CATEGORY / POINT VALUE

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Organization

Details are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader.

Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/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 is organized.

Content

Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable. All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly.

Supporting details and information are relevant, but one key issue or portion of the storyline is unsupported. All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and most are cited correctly.

Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues or portions of the storyline are unsupported. Most sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly.

Supporting details and information are typically unclear or not related to the topic. Many sources used for quotes and facts are less than credible (suspect) and/or are not cited correctly.

Voice

The writer seems to be writing from knowledge or experience. The author has taken the questions and ideas and made them "his own."

The writer seems to be drawing on knowledge or experience, but there is some lack of ownership of the topic.

The writer relates some 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 are expressed seem to belong to someone else.

Conventions

Writer makes no errors in grammar, capitalization, punctuation or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar, capitalization, punctuation or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar, capitalization, punctuation or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar, capitalization, punctuation or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Word Choice

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.

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.

Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair.

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.

Sentence Fluency

All sentences are well-constructed with varied length and structure.   All sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud. Each sentence is clear and has an obvious emphasis.

Most sentences are well-constructed with varied length and structure.  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 are well-constructed but have a similar length and structure.  Most sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but several are awkward or are difficult to understand.

Sentences lack sufficient length and structure and appear incomplete or rambling.  The sentences are difficult to read aloud because they sound awkward, are distractingly repetitive, or difficult to understand.