Feature Article Rubric

CATEGORY Above (10 pts) At (8 pts) Approaching (5 pts) Below (2 pts)

Topic There is one clear, well-focused Main idea is clear but the Main idea is somewhat clear but there is The main idea is not clear.
topic. Main idea stands out and supporting information is general. a need for more supporting information. There is a seemingly random
is supported by detailed collection of information.
information.

Introduction The introduction is inviting,
states the main topic and
previews the structure of the
paper. A lead sentence is used
effectively.
The introduction clearly states the
main topic and previews the
structure of the paper, but is not
particularly inviting to the reader. A
lead sentence is used.
The introduction states the main topic, but
does not adequately preview the structure
of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to
the reader. A lead sentence is used
ineffectively.
There is no clear introduction
of the main topic or structure of
the paper. A lead sentence is
not used.

Body Both facts and opinions with Both facts and opinions are used Either facts or opinions are lacking. There Facts and/or opinions are
many supporting details are with some supporting details. The are little supporting details. The author is missing. There are little to no
used. The author gives the read author gives most of the necessary missing much of the necessary supporting details.
all the necessary information. information. information.

Conclusion An engaging ending that leaves An engaging ending that leaves the An ending that leaves the reader No clear ending.
the reading wanted to think and reader understanding the topic. confused or uninterested in the topic.
know more about the topic.

Conventions Writer makes no errors in
capitalization or punctuation, so
the paper is exceptionally easy
to read.
Writer makes 1 or 2 errors in
capitalization or punctuation, but
the paper is still easy to read.
Writer makes a few errors in capitalization Writer makes several errors in
and/or punctuation that catch the reader's capitalization and/or
attention and interrupt the flow. punctuation that catch the
reader's attention and greatly
interrupt the flow.

Structure Details are placed in a logical
order and the way they are
presented effectively keeps the
interest of the reader.
Details are placed in a logical
order, but the way in which they
are presented/introduced
sometimes makes the writing less
interesting.
Some details are not in a logical or Many details are not in a
expected order, and this distracts the logical or expected order.
reader. There is little sense that the
writing is organized.

Presentation The published article is neat and The published article is neat and The published article is sloppy or difficult The published article is sloppy
legible. It has well chosen legible. It has pictures and/or to read. There are pictures and/or and illegible. There are no
pictures and/or neat illustrations. illustrations. illustrations that don't enhance the pictures or illustrations.
reading.