MEL Paragraph Rubric NAME:

Main Idea 5 4
Writer has focused on
one issue related to the
assignment. Topic
sentence is clear and
well stated.
Evidence 15 12
Ample evidence is
given to support topic
statement. Examples
are specific and
explained in detail.
Link 15 12
Paragraph contains a
statement after each
piece of evidence that
clearly links
information to the topic
sentence, explains how
the evidence fits
Language 8 6
Writer uses
appropriate
vocabulary, phrasing,
etc. throughout the
paragraph including
applicable terms
Grammar &
Spelling 5 4
Paragraph is basically
mistake free; spelling
and grammar errors do
not distract from
understanding
Transitions 7 5
Writer uses clear and
sensible transitions
between each piece of
evidence.
3 2 1
Focus is somewhat Focus is unclear; what
vague; topic sentence are you trying to prove
could be worded here? Topic sentence is
better, but there is a not evident.
topic sentence
9 6 3
Evidence is somewhat Evidence is basically
vague and not specific opinion, no specific
enough or evidence is evidence described or
not closely related to evidence described is
the subject. unrelated.
9 6 3
Statement after each Links are missing
piece of evidence is throughout the
related to the paragraph, only
information in the topic evidence; no real
sentence but not explanation of how the
clearly linked. evidence supports main
idea
4 3 1
Writer uses decent Writer uses very simple
language, wording, language; basic phrasing
phrasing; some or wording; some
appropriate misused terms or no
terminology technical terms at all
3 2 1
Paragraph contains Paragraph is a mess; the
some errors in errors in punctuation,
punctuation, grammar, grammar, and spelling
spelling which slightly are distracting and make
distract the reader the paragraph difficult to
understand
4 3 2
Writer uses some good Writer does not use clear
transitions although transitions; paragraph is
they are somewhat disorganized as a result,
typical. hard to follow

Concluding 5 4
Statement Writer uses a final
statement that "wraps
up" the paragraph,
refers back to the main
idea
3 2
Writer uses a
concluding statement
that sort of wraps up
the paragraph; could be
stronger, but okay
1
Writer fails to conclude
the paragraph with a final
statement to "wrap it up"

54-60=A
Total Points: 48-53=B
42-47=C
36-41=D