Houghton Mifflin English
Writing Rubric
Directions: Reread your persuasive essay. What do you need to do to make it better? Use this
rubric to help you decide. Check the sentences that describe your essay.
Loud and Clear
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My introduction includes a clear statement of my goal.
I have at least three strong reasons to support my goal.
Facts and examples elaborate each reason.
The order of my reasons makes sense.
My voice sounds positive and fits my audience.
I have answered possible objections.
My conclusion forcefully presents my reasons and my goal.
There are few mistakes in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
Sounding Stronger
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My introduction does not clearly state my goal.
I have only one or two strong reasons to support my goal.
My reasons need more facts and examples.
I haven't ordered my reasons carefully.
My voice could fit my audience better.
I mention an objection but don't answer it.
My conclusion is not strong enough.
I made at least one mistake in every paragraph.
Try Harder
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I never stated my goal.
My reasons are unclear.
Every reason needs more facts and examples.
The order of my reasons is confusing.
My audience might not like the way I sound.
I haven't answered possible objections.
My conclusion does not sum up my reasons or restate my goal.
Too many mistakes make my essay hard to understand.
March 30, 2012
Dear Sixth Grade Parents and Students,
I would like to wish each and every one of you a very blessed Easter. I hope all
of you have a Spring Break full of faith, family, and relaxation. Sixth graders, although
you may not be excited to work over your break, I have assigned one task for you to do
over break. Each of you is to demonstrate your writing skills (through the writing
process) in your own persuasive essay.
Attached, you will find a graphic organizer, a sample essay, and a rubric, that
should be used to help you organize and write your best possible persuasive essay. This
is not a difficult project or an extensive report, but I expect ALL parts completed and
quality work turned in upon our return on Monday, April 16, 2012.
Your writing assignment is as follows:
Prewrite (5 points)
1. Choose ONE of the following topics:
 Some of the Mary Immaculate parents have started a campaign to limit the
homework that teachers can assign to students. Teachers at your school have
argued that the homework is necessary. What is your position?
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A litter problem has developed on our school's campus. Students are throwing
trash on the ground rather than carrying them to the trash can. Mrs. Gullano
has asked students to take more care, but the litter problem persists. Because
things have not improved, she has decided to bench students at recess and
lunch as well as cancel all after-school activities until the problem is taken
care of. What is your position on this issue?
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There has been a problem at our school with discipline and bullying. Mrs.
Gullano has decided to implement Saturday detentions, based on the positive
examples that she has seen at other schools. Likewise, students will be
charged a $5.00 fee because of the inconvenience caused to faculty members
who have to supervise detentions. What is your position on this issue?
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In order to save money, Mrs. Gullano is thinking about canceling all field trips
for the remainder of the year! What is your position on the issue?
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Mrs. Gullano is considering lengthening the school day by two hours so that
all students can get help with homework. What is your position on this issue?
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Your Choice. Here is where you have the option to choose your own topic. It
does not have to be school related, but it must be something appropriate and
meaningful to you. Keep in mind your audience and your position on the
issue you raise.
2. With the help of the graphic organizer attached to this packet, map out and
organize your thoughts.
Draft (15 points)
3. With your prewriting ideas, begin writing your roughdraft.
Revise (5 points)
4. With a red pen, begin revising your essay. What can be added so that the reader
has enough information? Is the information in the most logical and effective
order? What extra or unnecessary details are added that could be deleted? What
words or details could be replaced by clearer or stronger expressions? (Tip: Have
someone read your essay to see if your opinion is clearly stated)
5. On a new sheet of paper, rewrite your essay with the revisions added.
Edit (5 points)
6. On the new, revised draft, edit your essay in each of the following areas: spelling,
capitalization, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, subject/verb agreement,
and word usage. (Tip: Have an adult or someone reliable read your essay to
make sure all editing mistakes are caught and corrected!)
7. Use the attached rubric to evaluate your essay thus far. Are there any more
improvements that can be made to your essay? Does your essay meet all of the
highest expectations? Is your essay comparable to the sample one given in this
packet?
Publish (20 points)
8. When the previous steps have been thoroughly met, type your final, published
draft.
I look forward to hearing what you have to say about such interesting topics. If you have
any further questions that are not addressed in this packet, please email me at
Tmendoza@ucla.edu. Again, have a fun and safe Spring Break!
Sincerely,
Miss Mendoza