Criteria
Guidelines &
Format
Introduction
Body
Paragraphs
(Identification;
Application;
Analysis)
(x2)
Conclusion
Word Choice
& Sentence
Fluency
Writing
Mechanics
Exceeding the Standard
(10)
Meeting the Standard
(8.5)
Working Towards the Standard
(5)
Below the Standard
(3)
All of the following guidelines were
followed in an exceptional fashion:
 Significant & compelling topic was
approved ahead of time by teacher
 Paper follows standard MLA format
 Proper Title
 Times New Roman, 12 pt font, 1”
margins, double spaced
 3-5 pages
The introduction:
 Summarized in a thorough & expert &
compelling fashion.
 Uniquely hooks reader’s attention as
discussed in class.
 Introduces topic, premise, and main
points well
All body paragraphs contain evidence of:
 Ample & expert outside research of
topic.
 Authentic understanding & skillful
insight of terminology.
 Addresses the topic in relation to
social issue
 5 W and 1 H question answered fully
 Student Voice is evident throughout
 Detail: Supportive details and
evidence throughout (stats, examples,
etc)
Conclusion provides:
 a skillful and engaging recap of the
topics contents
 an insightful explanation of the topics
future implications
 Word Choice: language is
consistently precise & vivid;
appropriate for the audience &
purpose, and promotes reader
understanding in exceptional manner.
 Sentence Fluency: meaningful
sentences are grammatically sound,
correct in structure, and can be read
quickly and easily.
The writer demonstrates a strong
understanding of the conventions of
standard written English (e.g.
spelling, usage, capitalization,
punctuation, and paragraphing); any
errors, although noticeable, do not
impair the paper’s readability.
All of the following guidelines were
followed:
 Appropriate topic was approved ahead
of time by teacher
 Paper follows standard MLA format
 Appropriate Title
 No formatting issues
 3-5 pages long
ONE of the following guidelines was
NOT followed:
 Appropriate topic was approved ahead
of time by teacher
 Paper follows standard MLA format
 Few Formatting issues
 2-2 ½ pages long
TWO or more of the following guidelines
were NOT followed:
 Appropriate topic was approved ahead
of time by teacher
 Paper follows standard MLA format
 Many formatting issues
 Less than 2 pages long
The introduction:
 Summarized topic in a thorough &
coherent fashion.
 Sufficiently hooks reader’s attention as
discussed in class.
 Introduces topic, premise, and main
points well
All body paragraphs contain evidence of:
 Thorough outside research of
economic terms
 Authentic understanding of
terminology.
 Addresses the topic in relation to
social issue
 5 W and 1 H question answered
 Student Voice is evident throughout
 Detail: Supportive details and
evidence throughout (stats, examples,
etc)
Conclusion provides:
 a sufficient recap of the topic’s
contents
 thorough explanation of the topic’s
future implications
 Word Choice: language is correct,
appropriate for the audience &
purpose, and promotes reader
understanding.
 Sentence Fluency: Sentences are
grammatically sound, correct in
structure, and can be read with
minimal difficulty.
The introduction:
 Summarized topic in a minimal and/or
slightly incoherent fashion.
 Adequately introduces topic
 Common introduction
The introduction:
 Did not provide a sufficient or
understandable summary of topic.
 Introduction was missing many of key
aspects
 Thesis statement?
ONE body paragraphs lack evidence of:
 evidence of outside research of term;
or thorough research
 Authentic understanding of
terminology (i.e., overuse of direct
citation).
 5 W and 1 H question answered
 Student Voice is missing at times
 Detail: Some details and evidence
throughout (stats, examples, etc)
TWO or more body paragraphs lack
evidence of:
 evidence of outside research of term;
or thorough research
 authentic understanding of
terminology (excessive direct citation).
 5 W and 1 H question answered
 Student Voice is missing
 Detail: Details and evidence are not
found throughout (stats, examples, etc)
Conclusion provides:
 a minimal recap of the topic’s contents
 weak explanation of the topic’s future
implications
The writer demonstrates a good
understanding of the conventions of
standard written English (e.g.
spelling, usage, capitalization,
punctuation, and paragraphing); any
errors, although noticeable, do not
impair the paper’s readability.
The writer demonstrates a basic
understanding of the conventions of
standard written English (e.g.
spelling, usage, capitalization,
punctuation, and paragraphing);
errors sometimes impair the paper’s
readability.
Conclusion provides:
 a poor and confusing recap of the
topic’s contents
 little or no explanation of the topic’s
future implications
 Word Choice: language is used
incorrectly; vocabulary is limited; and
language frequently confuses the
reader.
 Sentence Fluency: Most sentences
lack clarity & reader must work at
connecting ideas; grammatically errors
are distracting & text is difficult to
read.
The writer demonstrates a limited
understanding of the conventions of
standard written English (e.g.,
spelling, usage, capitalization,
punctuation, and paragraphing);
many errors impair the paper’s readability.


Word Choice: language is mostly
correct, but at times can be too trite,
informal, colloquial, general or
technical for audience.
Sentence Fluency: Most sentences are
grammatically sound, correct in
structure, but the reader occasionally
has difficulty following the text.
Work Cited
 Demonstrates thorough research with 7
or more sources.
 Includes 4 or more newspaper or
periodical sources and at least one of
each
Current Events Report Rubric
Total Score: _______/80 pts =
Comments
 Demonstrates adequate research
with 5-6 sources
 Includes 3 newspaper or periodical
sources and at least one of each
 Demonstrates minimal research
with 2-4 sources
 Includes 1-2 newspaper or
periodical sources and at least
one of each
Name __________________________________________
 Demonstrates lack of research with
0-2 sources
 Includes 0 newspaper or periodical
sources
Period ______