Example Writing Rubric: http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php?screen=ShowRubric&rubric_id=1333072& CATEGORY Focus on Topic (Content) 4 There is one clear, wellfocused topic.

Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information. 3 Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general. 2 Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information. 1 The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information.

Support for Topic Relevant, telling, (Content) quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable. Accuracy of Facts (Content)

Supporting details and information are relevant, but one key issue or portion of the storyline is unsupported.

Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues or portions of the storyline are unsupported.

Supporting details and information are typically unclear or not related to the topic.

All supportive Almost all supportive Most supportive NO facts are facts are reported facts are reported facts are reported reported OR most accurately. accurately. accurately. are inaccurately reported.

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. There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the paper.

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. Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting.

The introduction states the main topic, but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to the reader. Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader.

Sequencing (Organization)

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

Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is organized.

Conclusion (Organization)

The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer is "getting at." Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Writer makes no errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the paper is exceptionally easy to read. 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.

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.

Grammar & Spelling (Conventions)

Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Writer makes 1 or 2 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the paper is still easy to read.

Writer makes 3-4 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. Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair.

Writer makes more than 4 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. 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.

Capitalization & Punctuation (Conventions)

Word Choice

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.