Writing Rubric

Level Definitions Task Focus Language Accuracy Appropriateness Organization

▪ Ideas are well developed ▪ The introduction is exciting and relevant
▪ Strong and varied choice of details to the topic
▪ Sophisticated and consistent
5 appropriate to the task (e.g. giving ▪ Strong, logical flow of ideas and events
▪ Responds to all prompts command of English grammar
Exemplary performance showing examples, use of facts, logical (e.g. progression of thought, time and
▪ Distinct focus on topic ▪ Few, if any, spelling,
a high level of command of arguments) sequence)
▪ Details related to topic capitalization and punctuation
English language and writing ▪ Strong and varied choice of ▪ A focused choice of supporting details
and task mistakes
skills. The writing exhibits most vocabulary appropriate to the topic (e.g. interesting facts, meaningful
▪ Meets length requirements ▪ Good and varied use of sentence
or all of the following ▪ Clear attention to the audience examples, accurate data)
▪ The task is complete structure: simple, compound and
characteristics. ▪ Sentence and paragraph flow ▪ The conclusion is logical and convincing
complex
enhanced by efficient use of ▪ Layout and/or format is appropriate to the
connectors and transition words task
▪ Responds to the most ▪ Most ideas are well developed ▪ The introduction is relevant and
4 prompts ▪ Consistent command of English ▪ Good choice and variety of meaningful
Accomplished performance ▪ Topic is slightly off focus grammar. supporting details ▪ Main ideas are logical but may not be in
showing an above average level of ▪ Most details related to ▪ Limited number and type of ▪ Good choice and variety of the best order / sequence
command of English language and topic errors vocabulary ▪ Ideas are developed with some focused
writing skills. The writing exhibits ▪ Production is within the ▪ Attempt to use more complex ▪ Appropriate attention to the and supporting details
most or all of the following range of length structure audience ▪ The conclusion is convincing
characteristics. requirements ▪ Errors do not obscure meaning ▪ Sentence and paragraph flow ▪ Layout and/or format is appropriate to the
▪ The task is complete smoothly and clearly task
▪ Inconsistent command of
▪ Responds partially to the
3 English grammar ▪ Ideas are insufficiently developed ▪ The introduction is somewhat unclear
given prompts
Performance shows development ▪ Too many fragmented sentences ▪ Need for more details to support ▪ Ideas do not flow logically and smoothly
▪ Topic is off target in
and movement towards better and run-ons main ideas ▪ Some ideas are not sufficiently developed
some parts
command of English language and ▪ Limited sentence structure: ▪ Limited choice of vocabulary or clearly focus
▪ Needs more detail to meet
writing skills. The writing exhibits repeated use of simple sentences ▪ some attention to audience ▪ There is an attempt to conclude
length requirements
most or all of the following ▪ Errors in spelling and ▪ limited and repetitive choice of ▪ Some parts of the layout / format are
▪ Some portions of the task
characteristics. punctuation interfere with the connectors and transition words appropriate
are not completed
meaning
▪ There is some evidence of
▪ Ideas are in need of more ▪ Introduction is either missing or not
responding to given
2 ▪ Inadequate command of English development sufficiently clear
prompts
Performance shows a consistent grammar ▪ More relevant details are needed ▪ Most ideas are not sufficiently developed
▪ Focus on topic is
pattern of weakness in English ▪ Only simple sentences are used ▪ Restricted and inappropriate choice or clearly focused
inconsistent
language and writing skills. The ▪ Meaning is not clear because of of vocabulary ▪ Ideas do not progress logically
▪ Needs more detail to meet
writing exhibits most or all of the the number and type of errors in ▪ Audience is not clearly addressed ▪ Conclusion is either missing or not
length requirements
following characteristics. spelling and punctuation ▪ Minimal use of connectors and sufficiently clear
▪ Most of the task is not
transition words ▪ Task layout / format is ineffective
complete
1
Performance showing a weak There is minimal focus on task; the range and amount of mistakes in grammar, spelling and other mechanics interfere with comprehension; the
command of English language and task is incomplete; the amount of writing produced is minimal.
writing skills are undeveloped.