Feature Article Rubric
Name
Category
Overall
Title
2.5
The writer taught readers
about a subject. The piece
included some text, text
features, and images.
Lead
The writer wrote a beginning
that got readers ready to
learn a lot of information
about the subject.
Transitions
The writer used words to
show sequence such as
before, after, then, and later.
The writer may have also
used words like however and
but to show ideas that did not
fit with the general flow of
the topic.
Endings
The writer wrote an ending
that signaled the piece was at
an end.
Period
Score
3
3.5
4
The writer conveyed information
about a subject. The piece
included some text as well as
other text features. The text
features dominate the piece. The
writing component and text
features struggle to create
meaning. The writing component
is in need of greater detail.
The writer hooked readers by
explaining why the subject
mattered, telling a surprising fact,
or providing a big picture
scenario. The lead lets readers
know that they will learn
different things about a subject.
The writer used words in each
section that helped readers
understand how one piece of
information connected with others.
Words and phrases such as before,
later, next, then, after, such as
another, also, and for example
were used.
The writer conveyed ideas and
information about a specific subject.
The piece included text, procedural
passages, stories, instructions,
images, diagrams, charts, graphs, or
other text features. The text and
informative features work together
to create meaning.
The writer thoroughly conveyed ideas and
information about a specific subject. The
piece included detailed text, procedural
passages, stories, instructions, images,
diagrams, charts, graphs, and other
informative text features. The text and
informative features work together
seamlessly creating an overwhelmingly
meaningful reading experience.
The writer wrote an introduction that
interested readers. The introduction may
have some of the writer’s own ideas about
the subject. The introduction provides the
subtopics that will be developed in the
writing and how the information unfolds.
The writer wrote an ending which
reminded readers of the subject
and left readers thinking about
what they learned.
The introduction helped readers get
interested and understand the
subject. After reading the
introduction, the reader knows the
subtopics that will be developed in
the writing as well as their sequence.
The writer used words and phrases
such as consequently, as a result,
and because of this. When
comparing information, the writer
used phrases such as in contrast, by
comparison, and especially. If the
writing stated an opinion, the writer
used transitions such as but the most
important reason, for example,
according to, another reason, and
consequently.
The writer wrote a conclusion which
restated the main points and may
have offered a final thought or
question for readers to consider.
The writer used transition words to help
readers understand how different bits of
information and different parts of the
writing fit together.
The writer used transitions such as for
instance, in addition, therefore, such as,
because of, as a result, in contrast to,
unlike, despite, and on the other hand to
help connect ideas, information, and
examples.
The writer wrote a conclusion in which the
main points of the article were restated,
perhaps offering a lingering thought or new
insight for readers to consider. The
conclusion added to and strengthened the
document.
Feature Article Rubric
Organization
The writer grouped
information into parts. Each
part was mostly about one
thing that connected to the
larger subject. Headings and
subheadings would have
been useful. Text features
were included but lacked
purpose and meaning.
The writer grouped information
into sections and used
paragraphs and evidence to
support each section. Each
section was mostly about the
same thing. Some text features
were included. The writing
included headings and
subheadings.
The writer arranged topics with
supporting paragraphs and used
evidence and explanation to support
those topics. The writing moves from
one topic to another. The text
features are carefully placed in the
document and help convey meaning.
The headings and subheadings help
the reader understand the overall
meaning of the piece.
The writer arranged many topics with
multiple paragraphs and a variety of
evidence and explanation to support those
topics. The writing flows easily from one
topic to the next. The text features are
purposely placed in the document and
enhance the meaning of the text. The
headings and subheadings make the piece
easy to read and more meaningful.
Elaboration
The writer wrote some facts,
details, and observations
about a subject.
The writer chose a subject and
taught readers about that
subject. Different topics were
discussed using text. The writer
used some facts, example, and
details. The writing included
some information from research
but mostly relied on the writer’s
previous knowledge.
The writer chose a focused subject
and included topics, details, and
elaboration. Each topic included
paragraphs with supporting details.
The evidence and explanations
included research from credible
sources and/or information from
experts. The source of the
information was made clear in the
text.
Craft
The writer presented some
information about a subject.
The writer explained the
subject in a way that was
interesting but could have
used more domain-specific
vocabulary. Some text
features were present but
lacked meaning and
effectiveness. The voice and
tone of the writing was too
casual.
The writer presented ideas and
made some decisions about how
information supports the topics
and subject. Some domainspecific vocabulary was used.
Some text features were
included. The voice and tone of
the writing could be more
consistent.
The writer chose how to present
information to support topics and
the overall subject. The writer chose
interesting words to explain
information and ideas. The writing
included domain-specific vocabulary.
The writer included phrases,
comparisons, and summaries to
communicate ideas. Text features
like images, diagrams, charts,
graphs, captions, and drawings were
used to enhance meaning. The
writer used a consistent voice
throughout the piece.
The writer chose a focused subject and
included a variety of topics, details, and
ample elaboration. Each topic included
multiple paragraphs which were explained
in great detail. The evidence and
explanations included research from
credible sources and information drawn
from authorities on the subject. The source
of the information was made clear in the
text or a bibliography was included at the
end of the document.
The writer carefully and purposefully chose
how to present information to clearly
support topics and the overall subject. The
writer chose words carefully to explain
information and ideas. The writer included
a multitude of domain-specific vocabulary
and explained these terms. The writer
included exact phrases, comparisons, and
summaries to effectively communicate
ideas. Elaborate text features like images,
diagrams, charts, graphs, captions, and
drawings were used to enhance meaning.
The writer used a consistent, inviting
teaching voice.
Feature Article Rubric
Spelling
Grammar
and
Punctuation
Capitalization
Editing
Publishing
The writer used knowledge
about word patterns to spell
correctly. Resources like
dictionaries and word walls
could have been utilized
more. There are a multitude
of errors.
The writer used sentences
that are incomplete and do
not follow the rules of
grammar and punctuation.
There are many run-ons and
fragments. There is little
sentence variety present in
the writing. Many sentences
are choppy and difficult to
read.
The writer did not capitalized
words at the beginning of
sentences and for all proper
nouns. The writer had
difficulty capitalizing titles
and headings correctly. The
piece has a multitude of
mistakes.
The writer could spend more
time and effort on editing and
proofreading. There are
numerous errors and
mistakes.
The presentation of writing
has major issues. There are
problems with size and choice
of font. The paragraphs are
not indented. There are
numerous formatting issues.
Titles and headings have
major formatting issues.
The writer mostly used
knowledge about word patterns
to spell correctly. Resources like
dictionaries and word walls could
have been utilized more. There
are many errors.
The writer used resources like
dictionaries and word walls to be
sure words are spelled correctly.
There are one or two minor errors.
The writer used resources like dictionaries
and word walls to be sure words are
spelled correctly. There are no errors.
The writer mostly used sentences
that are complete and follow the
rules of grammar and
punctuation. However, there are
some run-ons and fragments.
Some sentences are choppy and
difficult to read. Sentence
structure is basic and lacks
variety.
The writer attempted to use
introductory elements,
interruptions, compound sentences,
and other sentence structures.
However, the punctuation may be
missing, lack consistency, or be
incorrect. Sentences mostly follow
the rules of punctuation and
grammar. Most sentences are fluent
and well-structured.
The writer capitalized most words at
the beginning of sentences and
proper nouns. The writer capitalized
titles and headings correctly. There
may be one or two mistakes.
The writer used introductory elements,
interruptions, compound sentences, and
other sentence structures. All sentences
are complete and follow the rules of
grammar and punctuation. Sentences are
fluent and well-structured. A variety of
sentence structures and types are used and
are punctuated correctly.
The writer spent a great deal of time
proofreading and editing. The writer
utilized editing and proofreading
resources to enhance the writing.
There are one or two errors or
mistakes.
The writer spent a great deal of time
proofreading and editing thoroughly. The
writer consistently utilized editing and
proofreading resources to enhance and
perfect the writing. The final product is of
exceptional quality.
Writing is neat and presentable.
Paragraphs are indented, but there
are some minor formatting issues.
Titles and headings are included but
may also have some minor
formatting issues.
Writing is neat and presentable. Paragraphs
are indented. Titles and headings are
formatted correctly, are consistent
throughout the piece, and have style.
The writer may have not
capitalized words at the
beginning of sentences and for all
proper nouns. The writer may
have had difficulty capitalizing
the titles and headings correctly.
There are many mistakes.
The writer spent some time
proofreading and editing. The
writer utilized editing and
proofreading resources to
enhance the writing. However,
there are many errors and
mistakes.
The presentation of writing may
have some issues. There may be
paragraph format problems or
other obvious formatting issues.
Titles and headings are included
but may also have some
formatting issues.
The writer capitalized words at the
beginning of sentences and for all proper
nouns. The writer capitalized titles and
headings correctly. There are no
capitalization mistakes.
Feature Article Rubric