FEATURE (Chapter 7) 15 POINTS
Content &
Development
3 Points
Organization &
Structure
3 Points
Format, Punctuation
& Spelling
3 Points
Grammar &
Vocabulary
3 Point
Poor
 Content is incomplete.
 Major points are not clear
and/or persuasive.
 Little use of direct quotes
indicates weaknesses in
interviewing.
Excellent
 Content is comprehensive and
accurate with a compelling lead.
 Major points are stated clearly
and are well supported with vivid
details.
 Content and purpose of the
writing are clear.
 Direct and indirect quotations are
used to add authority to the
writing.
 Details show evidence of
effective interviewing.
 Facts are presented objectively
with a lack of editorializing.
Good
 Organization and structure
detract from the content.
 Paragraph transitions
require improvement.
Poor
 Article lacks many elements
of the correct format.
 Frequent errors in
spelling/accentuation or
punctuation.
 Article is
inadequate/excessive in
length.
Minimal reader interest.

Uses weak, past tense verbs.
Provides little content
information.
Excellent
 Standard rules of grammar and
usage are followed.
 Language is clear and precise;
sentences display consistently
strong, varied structure.
 Writing employs strong use of
precise vocabulary.
Good
 Only the final deadline was
met.
Poor


Excellent
 Article is the appropriate length
as described for the assignment.
 No faults with respect to
spelling/accentuation or
punctuation.
 Copy adheres to AP style.
Good
 Article contains few
grammatical errors.
 Vocabulary somewhat
limited.
Poor
 The final deadline was not
met.
Excellent
 Article deviates from the inverted
pyramid if necessary to stimulate
and maintain reader interest.
 Paragraphs are short enough to
maintain visual interest.
 Transitions allow information to
flow from a compelling lead to a
logical conclusion.
 Flow of ideas makes the article
easy to read.
 Use of direct and indirect
quotations is balanced.
Good
 Article follows most
guidelines.
 Occasional faults in
spelling/accentuation or
punctuation.
Poor
 Numerous grammatical and
mechanical errors interfere
with readability.
Headline
Bonus Point
Good
 Content is not
comprehensive.
 Lead is adequate.
 Major points are addressed,
but not well supported.
 Content is inconsistent with
regard to purpose and
clarity of thought.
 Limited use of quotations
demonstrates weakness in
interviewing.
Poor
 Structure of the article
interferes with readability.
 Article is disjointed and lacks
transition of thoughts.
Deadlines
3 Points
NAME
Excellent
 All deadlines were met.
Good


Moderate reader interest.

Lapses into use of past
tense, infinitives and weak
verbs.
Somewhat summarizes
story content.
Excellent


Effectively engages the reader.


Written in present tense.
Accurately summarizes the
content of the story.
Strong verbs are used.