Writing Rubric

	A	B	C	D
	Exemplary	Proficient	Marginal	Unacceptable
Mechanics Punctuation and Grammar	Is free of errors in grammar, punctuation, word choice, spelling and format	There are few minimal errors in grammar, punctuation, word choice, spelling and format	The writing has numerous errors in grammar, punctuation, word choice, spelling, and format and distracts the reader	Errors in grammar, punctuation, word choice, spelling, and format are so numerous that they obscure the meaning of the passage. The reader is confused and stops reading
Style Effective beginning Effective Ending Unified Paragraphs Topic Sentences Effective transitions	The paper begins, flows, and ends effectively. The introduction, body and conclusion of the paper are sound. The paper is well organized and unified with ideas and sentences that relate to the main topic. The ideas are arranged logically to support the thesis Uses appropriate, direct language: the writing is compelling; the sentences are well phrased and varied in length and structure. Paragraphs are well-structured, excellent use of headings, organization and flow.	The paper begins , flows and ends effectively. The introduction, body and conclusion of the paper are adequate. The paper is well organized and unified with sentences that relate to the main topic. The ideas are arranged logically to support the thesis. Paragraphs are well-structured, excellent use of headings, organization and flow. The sentences are well phrased and varied in length and structure. There are occasional violations in the writing, but they do not represent a major distraction or obscure meaning.	Has partial or inadequate introduction and conclusion The writing is not organized logically. Ideas fail to make sense and are not expressed clearly. Reader can figure out what writer probably intends but may not be motivated to do so. Some sentences are awkwardly constructed, and represent an occasional distraction for the reader. Paragraphs are unstructured, headings are missing, lacks general organization and flow.	The paper has an inadequate introduction and conclusion. The writing is not arranged logically. Frequently, ideas fail to make sense and are not expressed clearly. Reader cannot identify a line of reasoning. Errors in sentence structure are frequent enough to represent a major distraction to the reader. Paragraphs are unstructured, headings are missing, lacks general organization and flow.
Content Completes Assignment Provides sufficient support Expresses Purpose (thesis) Defines audience Provides insight	Responds fully to the assignment; information clearly and effectively supports a central purpose or thesis and displays a thoughtful, in-depth analysis of a sufficiently limited topic. The reader gains insights. The paper is directed towards and meets the needs of a defined audience ( is persuasive, argumentative or informational) Provides compelling supporting arguments, evidence, examples and details. The use of supporting detail is embedded in a context of discussion.	Responds in a competent manner to the assignment: information provides firm support for a central purpose or thesis and displays evidence of a basic analysis of a sufficient limited topic. Demonstrates overall competency. Shows some originality, creativity, or genuine engagement with issues at hand. Is directed towards and meets the needs of a defined audience ( is persuasive, argumentative or informational). Provides adequate supporting arguments, evidence, examples and details. The use of supporting detail is embedded in a context of discussion.	Responds adequately to the assignment. Information supports thesis at times. Analysis is basic or general. The purpose is not always clear. Completes rather than engages in the assignment. The rhetorical position of the paper (either persuasive, argumentative or informational) is not clear. Does not provide adequate supporting arguments, evidence, examples and details.	The paper does not adequately respond to the assignment. The paper does not successfully identify thesis. Analysis is vague or not evident. The paper has no rhetorical position. The paper does not provide adequate supporting arguments, evidence, examples and details. Paragraphs may “string together” quotations without a context of discussion.
Format Correctly a Cknowledges sources Follows typesript specifications	Correctly acknowledges and documents sources in MLA style in text citations and works cited pages.	Correctly acknowledges and documents sources in MLA style in-text citations and works cited pages.	Incorrectly or partially acknowledges and documents sources in MLA style in-text citations and works cited pages. Although occasional references are provided, the writer relies on unsubstantiated statements. The reader is confused about the source of ideas.	Incorrectly or partially acknowledges and documents sources in MLA style in-text citations and works cited pages. Although occasional references are provided, the writer relies on unsubstantiated statements. The reader is confused about the source of ideas.