Language Arts 7: Writing Rubric

 Writing Rubric

	Beginning	Developing	Accomplished	Exemplary
Snapshot	Does not accomplish task.  The writing addresses the topic but is seriously flawed by problems in logic, style, and mechanics. May be very short and/or difficult to follow.	Some gaps in performance.  The writing presents relevant ideas about the topic but does not develop the topic to any extent; often vague. May be flawed by errors and often does not flow	Satisfies requirements of task.  The writing is clear, detailed and logical, with some analysis and development of a central idea. Well-organized & accomplishes purpose/task.	Features complex qualities.  The writing is clear, complete, Focused, and shows some insight. It features some engaging ideas or language. Effectively accomplishes purpose or task.
Conventions • spelling • sentence structure • punctuation • grammar	·       many basic spelling mistakes ·       too many run on/fragment sentences ·       many basic punctuation errors ·       many capitalization mistakes ·       slang words	·       errors in spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure—but meaning is clear ·       some run on/fragment sentences	·       some errors, but only in complex words and sentences ·       proper grammar used	·       few errors, but only in complex words and sentences ·       obvious understanding of complex words and sentence structure ·       clear understanding of punctuation
Form • beginning • middle • end • organization • transitions • paragraphing	·       has no clear beginning, middle, or end ·       skips from one idea to another ·       beginning and end don’t match ·       one big paragraph	·       missing some parts of beginning, or end ·       lists ideas with some explanation ·       beginning simply introduces the topic ·       conclusion is minimally interesting	·       has clear beginning, middle, and end ·       connects ideas with transitions ·       beginning interests reader ·       conclusion tries to have an impact ·       writing has shape (paragraphs if an essay)	·       Flows smoothly from beginning to end ·       transitions help with flow ·       beginning hooks reader ·       conclusion has a strong impact ·       has well placed new and original ideas
Style • clarity • variety • impact of language	·       uses words incorrectly ·       repetitive word use ·       Short, choppy sentences only ·       no individuality ·       uninteresting words	·       basic word use ·       uses a few interesting words ·       little sentence variety ·       some individuality	·       words are not overused ·       thoughtful word choices ·       uses sentence lengths/types ·       noticeable individuality	·       creative and juicy words ·       effective sentence variety helps with flow ·       may use images (metaphor, simile, personification, etc...)
Meaning • ideas and information • use of detail	·       no topic sentence ·       meaning is unclear ·       no connection between ideas or opinions ·       contains no evidence or details from text or imagination	·       topic appears undecided or undeveloped ·       incomplete or random ideas and opinions ·       very few details from imagination and/or evidence	·       clear topic sentence ·       strong sense of purpose ·       ideas and opinions make a clear point ·       uses imagination, details and evidence to back up point	·       topic catches reader’s attention ·       ideas and opinions make an impact ·       details make comparisons outside of story ·       fresh ideas