Elementary Six-Point Scoring
Rubric
(<=59) (60-69%) (70-74%)
(75-79%) (80-86%) (87-93%) (94-100%)
1
Beginning
|
2
Emerging
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2.5
Developing
|
3
Capable
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3.5
Experienced
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4
Exceptional
|
|
Ideas
The meaning and development of the message
|
·
Searching for a topic
·
Limited information
·
Vague details
·
Random thoughts
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·
Hints at topic
·
Reader left with many unanswered questions
·
Sporadic details
·
Glimmer of main point
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·
General topic
·
Reasonably clear ideas
·
Details present but not precise
·
Shows some specifics
|
·
Topic fairly narrowed
·
New ways of thinking about topic attempted
·
Credible details with some support
·
Writer understands
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·
Narrow, manageable topic
·
Clear and focused; answers’ readers questions
·
Relevant, accurate details enrich theme
·
Shows insight into topic
|
·
Unique treatment of topic
·
In-depth understanding of topic
·
Unusual details go beyond the obvious
·
Makes connections; shares insights effectively
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Organization
The internal structure of the piece
|
·
No lead or conclusion
·
Sequencing not present
·
No awareness of pacing
·
Hard to follow
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·
Ineffective lead and conclusion
·
Some sequencing apparent
·
Pacing awkward
·
Some attempt at structure
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·
Routine lead and conclusion
·
More logical sequencing
·
Pacing generally under control
·
Common structures detract from content
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·
Effective lead and conclusion
·
Sequencing works well
·
Well-controlled pacing
·
Common structures have smooth flow
|
·
Inviting introduction and satisfying
conclusion
·
Effective sequencing
·
Pacing is creative
·
Structure begins to reveal theme
|
·
Introduction and conclusion are unique but
connected
·
Masterful sequencing
·
Artful pacing used for stylistic effect
·
Powerful purpose shows commitment
|
Voice
The way the writer brings the topic to life
|
·
No concern for audience
·
Lifeless and mechanical
·
Flat or inappropriate
·
Purpose not present
|
·
Occasionally aware of audience
·
General statements require reader
interpretation
·
Tries to engage
·
Hints at purpose
|
·
Writer begins to connect with the reader
·
Pleasing, yet “safe”
·
Write/reader connection fades in and out
·
Purpose inconsistent
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·
Writer occasionally intrigues the reader
·
Pleasing; takes risks
·
Engages reader most of the time
·
Purpose consistent
|
·
Interesting and informative
·
Takes effective risks
·
Reflects interest and commitment in topic
·
Purpose shows clarity and understanding
|
·
Compelling and engaging
·
Writer goes out on a limb
·
Displays ownership of the topic
·
Powerful purpose shows commitment
|
Word
Choice
The specific vocabulary the writer uses to convey
meaning
|
·
Vocabulary is limited
·
Simple words used incorrectly
·
No figurative language
·
Words do not convey meaning
|
·
Generally correct words; no spice
·
Language is functional
·
Attempts at interesting words
·
Words convey general meaning
|
·
Some active verbs and precise nouns
·
A moment or two of sparkle
·
Experiments with figurative language
·
Words begin to enhance meaning
|
·
Effective and creative verbs and nouns
·
Wording mostly correct
·
Accurate use of figurative language
·
Words begin to enhance meaning
|
·
Precision with words and phrases
·
Wording works effectively
·
Figurative language is effective
·
Words and phrases create picture
|
·
Powerful, engaging, and “just-right” words
·
Wording is accurate and precise
·
Artful use of figurative language
·
Words and phrases create lingering images
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Sentence
Fluency
The mechanical correctness of the piece
|
·
Choppy, run on or incomplete
·
No “sentence sense”
·
Oral reading is not possible
·
Repetitive beginnings
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·
Some simple sentences
·
Occasional connecting word use
·
Oral reading difficult
·
Attempts variation in sentence beginnings
|
·
Attempts compound and complex sentences
·
Sentences usually connect
·
Parts invite oral reading
·
Sentences begin in different ways
|
·
Begins to have easy flow and rhythm
·
Strong and varied structure
·
Oral reading encourages expression in places
·
Sentences well crafted
|
·
Rhythm and flow feel natural
·
Creative use of sentence length and structure
·
Invites expressive reading
·
Sentences relate and build upon one another
|
·
Carefully honed cadences
·
Exquisitely constructed sentences
·
Reading aloud is a breeze
·
Sentences enhance meaning
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*Conventions
The mechanical correctness of the piece
For all work
|
·
Spelling errors impede readability
·
Incorrect punctuations and capitalization
|
·
Spelling errors even on easy words
·
Errors on basic punctuation and capitalization
·
Some usage and grammar errors
·
Occasional use of paragraphing
|
·
Spelling generally correct on basic words
·
Routine punctuation and capitalization
·
Grammar errors infrequent
·
Consistent paragraphing
|
·
Few spelling errors even on more difficult
words
·
Consistent use of punctuation and capitalization
·
Grammar and usage correct
·
Correct use of paragraphing
|
·
Spelling correct even on more difficult words
·
Accurate use of punctuation and capitalization
·
Standard grammar and usage under control
·
Sound and creative paragraphing
|
·
Uses unique spellings for style
·
Stylistic use of punctuation/capitalization
·
Grammar and usage contribute to clarity and
style
·
Paragraphing is stylistically effective
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*Presentation
The overall appearance of the work
For all work
|
·
Handwriting unreadable
·
Random spacing or lack of spacing
·
Poor use of white space
·
Overall appearance unacceptable
|
·
Handwriting poor
·
Some thought given to spacing
·
Attempts at margins and headers
·
Overall appearance distracting
|
·
Handwriting mostly readable but inconsistent
·
Attempts consistent spacing
·
Margins and headers affective
·
Overall appearance is acceptable
|
·
Legible handwriting
·
Spacing improves clarity
·
Experiments with graphic elements
·
Overall appearance shows balance and
proportion
|
·
Handwriting is consistent
·
Good balance of space and text
·
Effectively integrates graphic elements
·
Overall appearance makes it easy to read
|
·
Handwriting shows uniform start spacing and
letter formation
·
White space and test work in harmony
·
Graphic elements and text are synchronized and
aligned
·
Overall appearance is pleasing
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