Excellence for All: World Class Instructional Systems for Our Schools
Study of Literacy Requirements for Success in Initial Credit Bearing Courses at Open Admission Institutions
SCORE POINTS – ARGUMENT
Score Point
3
Score Point
2
Introduction
The paper contains an introduction that states a
claim or claims.
The paper contains an introductory statement or
section that makes a claim(s).
Organization
There is a logical organizing structure that links
the claim(s) reasons and evidence.
Reasons and evidence are provided but may not
be presented in an orderly manner that links to the
claim(s).
Development:
• Claims
• Reasons
• Evidence
Vocabulary
Closure
Other
The relationship between these elements is clear.
For the most part, appropriate reasons and
sufficient relevant evidence support the claim.
No extraneous information.
There are transition words and/or phases used to
link the major sections of the text.
The writer uses clear and appropriate, though
basic, vocabulary.
There is a concluding statement or section that
supports the argument.
Punctuation and grammar are used competently
though there may be some minor errors.
Sentence structures are for the most part complex
and varied.
Score Point
1
At the beginning there is an attempt to make a
claim though meaning may be hampered by lack
of language control.
Overall structure is blurred.
There is variable development of the reasons.
Minimal and sometimes irrelevant evidence is
presented.
May be a simple list that mixes facts and reasons
or just list reasons.
The writer uses everyday vocabulary and primarily
simple sentences.
Very narrow vocabulary. A minimal number of
accurate sentences.
There is a sense of closure in the writing.
Paper may simply end.
Simple knowledge of punctuation and grammar
are in evidence. However, there are frequent and
significant errors through they do not inhibit
understanding.
There are weaknesses in spelling, punctuation,
and grammar, but some meaning is intelligible.
Simple sentences are the dominant syntactic form
used by the writer though there is some evidence
that the writer tries to write more sophisticated
structures without success.
Lack of language control is evident throughout.
National Center on Education and the Economy (2012)
Excellence for All: World Class Instructional Systems for Our Schools
Study of Literacy Requirements for Success in Initial Credit Bearing Courses at Open Admission Institutions
SCORE POINTS – INFORMATIONAL/EXPLANATORY WRITING
Introduction
Organization
Development
Vocabulary
Closure
Other
Score Point
3
Score Point
2
The paper contains an introduction that
announces the topic.
There is an organization system that puts complex
ideas, concepts, and information into categories.
The topic is developed with well-chosen
significant, and sufficient details, facts, definitions,
or other examples and offers a well-developed
synthesis, explanation, elaboration or
comparison..
There are appropriate transitions to link the major
sections of the text.
The paper contains an introductory statement that
announces the topic.
Related ideas are grouped.
The topic is announced with an introductory
statement.
The ideas may be organized as a simple list.
Uses facts, details, definitions, quotations or other
examples to develop the topic through synthesis,
explanation, elaboration or comparison, but
development is uneven.
Develops the topic somewhat but may not provide
the most significant or relevant facts. Expected
synthesis, explanation, elaboration or comparison
difficult to discern.
Uses appropriate transitions between paragraphs.
May link ideas within sentences and paragraphs.
Includes some precise language related to the
topic.
Includes every day language related to the topic.
There is a concluding statement or section.
There is a sense of closure.
Simple knowledge of punctuation and grammar
are in evidence. However, there are frequent and
significant errors through they do not inhibit
understanding.
There are weaknesses in spelling, punctuation,
and grammar, but some meaning is intelligible.
There is precise language and domain specific
vocabulary.
There is a concluding statement or section.
Punctuation and grammar are used competently
though there may be some minor errors.
Sentence structures are for the most part complex
and varied.
There may be formatting and graphic provided to
aid comprehension
Score Point
1
Lack of language control is evident throughout.
Simple sentences are the dominant syntactic form
used by the writer.
National Center on Education and the Economy (2012)
Excellence for All: World Class Instructional Systems for Our Schools
Study of Literacy Requirements for Success in Initial Credit Bearing Courses at Open Admission Institutions
SCORE POINTS – NARRATIVE
Score Point
3
Introduction
Score Point
2
Score Point
1
Engages and orients a reader by presenting a
context and/or introducing a character or narrator.
Presents a context for what is to follow and
introduces a character or narrator.
Uses a variety of techniques to sequence events
logically.
Uses some narrative techniques such as dialogue,
description, and pacing to develop events and/or
characters.
Sequences a series of events.
May use minimal descriptive details to develop
characters and/or events.
Presents a character or narrator.
Attempts to sequence events, but may lose control
occasionally.
Attempts to develop characters and/or events
through some description.
Vocabulary
Uses words, phrases and details to present a vivid
picture of characters and events
Uses general language to describe characters and
events.
Descriptions of characters/events are scant if
present at all.
Closure
Provides a conclusion that follows logically from
the event sequence.
Punctuation and grammar are used competently
though there may be some minor errors.
Provides a sense of closure related to the events.
May simply stop.
Simple knowledge of punctuation and grammar
are in evidence. However, there are frequent and
significant errors through they do not inhibit
understanding.
There are weaknesses in spelling, punctuation,
and grammar, but some meaning is intelligible.
Organization
Development
Other
Sentence structures are for the most part complex
and varied.
There may be formatting and graphic provided to
aid comprehension
May go directly into the story line.
Lack of language control is evident throughout.
Simple sentences are the dominant syntactic form
used by the writer.
National Center on Education and the Economy (2012)