300 Word Essay Rubric Score/Comments

Ideas/Content
5: The writer has narrowed the focus to a manageable level, crafting an engaging, vivid
profile of 300 words or less. There is a strong lead, quotations, and a satisfying conclusion.
Information that is not on topic has been excluded. The reader gets a clear message about
the writer.
3: The writing is overly broad, but still manageable. The writers point is there, but it is not as
clearly focused or clear as it could be. The supporting evidence is adequate to support the
point, but either more details would help, or there is support material that is not truly on topic.
1: There might not be a clear focus or idea holding the story together. upport is missing or
not clearly related to an idea.
Score
1 2 3 4 5
Comments (if any:
!r"ani#ation
5: The story has a clearly defined lead that introduces the sub!ect well, a supporting middle,
and end that brings the story to a satisfactory close. Transitions within the paragraphs and
between paragraphs help define the organi"ation.
3: The story has a beginning, middle, and end, but they do not achieve their purposes as
well as they should. #aragraphs have topics, but they are not completely unified. Transitions
sometimes help, but could be more effective. $lthough there is an attempt to sequence the
presentation of details, it does not have as much logical flow as the best stories.
1: #aragraphing is not clear or is absent. There is little attempt to create a strong lead or
conclusion. The arrangement of supporting information does not have a clear structure to it.
Score
1 2 3 4 5
Comments (if any:
Sentence $%uency
5: The sentences are varied in length and structure. They help support the meaning and
build reader interest. The writing has a cadence, or a sound that moves the reader along.
3: ome sentence variety is attempted, and the sentences are soundly written and not
confusing to the reader. ome sentences might be aw%ward or clumsy.
1& entences have almost all the same pattern, with no attempt at variety or style. ome
sentences may be incomplete or run on.
Score
1 2 3 4 5
Comments (if any:
Con'entions
5& The writing is generally free of errors in spelling, usage, and grammar. The few errors that
exist can be fixed easily through editing and do not interfere with communication.
3& The writing has only moderate errors in spelling, usage, and grammar that can impede
communication. #aragraphing is attempted, although they topic focus may not be clear.
1& ignificant errors in spelling, usage, and grammar impede learning. #aragraphing is
missing or irregular and unrelated to the meaning of the text.
Score
1 2 3 4 5
Comments (if any:
(oice
&. The writer spea%s directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling, and
engaging. The writing as appropriate to both the audience and purpose of the writing.
Score
1 2 3 4 5
3. The writer does not seem personally connected to the purpose or audience. The writing
seems to be a formal exercise about which the writer has few personal feelings.
'. The purpose of the writing is not clear, and it tends to be lifeless and uninspiring.
Comments (if any:
Word C)oice
5& (ords convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural way. The words
are powerful and engaging. tri%ing language and lively verbs enhance reader interest, and
the words chosen are accurate and precise in meaning.
3& (ord choices are generally accurate, and the writer attempts to use colorful and lively
words. The text achieves the communicative purpose of the topic, but using everyday words
and passive voice.
1& )anguage is vague and at times inaccurate. *ocabulary is limited. Inappropriate !argon
and clich+s may interfere with the connection with the audience.
Score
1 2 3 4 5
Comments (if any:
!'era%% Comments and E'a%uation
Was t)e %en"t) a**ro*riate for scorin"+