Cabrillo Honors Transfer Program Grading Rubric for Application Essays Outstanding Content Original and inspirational Very Good Clear and focused Average Solid and understandable Below Average Unclear or unfocused Unacceptable Off topic Form The writer employs sophisticated sentences effectively, chooses words aptly, and observes all conventions of grammar to craft an eloquent essay. A good command of English, though with occasional stylistic or grammatical problems (most commonly awkward syntax or excessive use of the passive voice). A tendency toward wordiness, unclear or awkward sentences, imprecise use of words, grammatical errors, and a vagueness of meaning brought on by the passive voice. Major grammatical problems such as subject­verb disagreement, obscure pronouns, and sentence fragments. Language marred by clichés, colloquialisms, repeated inexact word choices, and many spelling errors. Unreadable owing to the violation of the basic rules of grammar. In general, a student will be accepted into the Honors Program if the essay is at least “Very good” in each of the two categories in the rubric.