Organization/Progression
STAAR English I
Score Point 1
Score Point 2
Expository Writing Rubric
Score Point 3
Score Point 4
The essay represents a very limited
writing performance.
The essay represents a basic writing
performance.
The essay represents a satisfactory
writing performance.
The essay represents an
accomplished writing performance.
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organizing structure of the essay is
evident but may not always be
appropriate to the purpose or the specific
demands of the topic
most ideas are generally related to the
topic specified in the prompt
thesis statement is weak or somewhat
unclear
inclusion of irrelevant information
interferes with the focus and coherence
of the essay
progression of ideas is not always logical
and controlled
sometimes repetition or wordiness
causes minor disruptions in the flow of
the essay
transitions and sentence-to-sentence
connections are sometimes perfunctory
or weak
MLA format and Works Cited page
included but incorrect
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organizing structure of cause and
effect or problem and solution is
clearly appropriate to the purpose of
the topic
clear thesis statement
most ideas are related to the thesis
and are focused on the topic
specified in the prompt.
may have minor lapses in focus
progression of ideas is generally
logical and controlled
transitions are meaningful, and
sentence-to-sentence connections are
sufficient
MLA format and Works Cited
page included
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development of ideas is minimal
details and examples that are not
always appropriate or are too briefly
or partially presented (1 TLQ)
reflects little or no thoughtfulness
response to the prompt is
sometimes formulaic
demonstrates a limited
understanding of the expository
writing task.
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development of ideas is sufficient
details and examples are specific and
appropriate (2TLQs)
reflects some thoughtfulness
response to the prompt is original
rather than formulaic
demonstrates a good understanding
of the expository writing task.
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word choice may be general or
imprecise
does little to establish a tone
appropriate to the task
word choice may not contribute to
the quality and clarity of the essay
sentences are awkward or only
somewhat controlled
demonstrates a partial command of
sentence boundaries
demonstrates a partial command of
spelling, capitalization,
punctuation, grammar, and usage
conventions
some distracting errors may be
evident
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word choice is clear and specific
establishes an appropriate tone
sentences are varied and adequately
controlled
adequate command of sentence
boundaries
adequate command of spelling,
capitalization, punctuation,
grammar, and usage conventions
some errors may be evident
errors do not affect the clarity of the
essay
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organizing structure of the essay is
inappropriate to the purpose or the topic
essay lacks clarity and direction
thesis statement is missing, unclear, or
illogical
may fail to maintain focus on the topic
may include extraneous information,
may shift abruptly from idea to idea
the progression of ideas is weak
repetition or wordiness sometimes
causes serious disruptions in the flow of
the essay
lack of transitions and sentence-tosentence connections
one or more parts of the essay unclear
or difficult to follow.
No MLA format and/or Works Cited
page included
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Development
of Ideas
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Use of
Language/Conventions
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development of ideas is weak
details and examples are
inappropriate, vague, or
insufficient(no TLQs)
response to the prompt is vague or
confused
may be only weakly linked to the
prompt
may demonstrate a lack of
understanding of the expository
writing task.
word choice may be vague or limited
does not establish an appropriate
tone
sentences are simplistic, awkward,
or uncontrolled
little or no command of sentence
boundaries
limited or no command of spelling,
capitalization, punctuation,
grammar, and usage conventions
serious and persistent errors create
disruptions in fluency
serious and persistent errors
sometimes interfere with meaning.
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organizing structure of cause and
effect or problem and solution is
clearly appropriate to the purpose of
the topic
establishes a clear thesis statement
all ideas are strongly related to the
thesis and are focused on the topic
specified in the prompt
is unified and coherent
progression of ideas is logical and
well controlled
meaningful transitions and strong
sentence-to-sentence connections
MLA format and Works Cited
page included
development of ideas is effective
details and examples are specific and
well chosen (2 TLQs)
thoughtful and engaging
may show unique experiences or
view of the world as a basis for
writing
may connect ideas in interesting ways
demonstrates a thorough
understanding of the expository
writing task
word choice is purposeful and precise
maintains an appropriate tone
sentences are purposeful, varied, and
well controlled
demonstrates a consistent command
of sentence boundaries
demonstrates a consistent command
of spelling, capitalization,
punctuation, grammar, and usage
conventions
minor errors may be evident
errors do not detract from the fluency
or clarity
overall strength of conventions
contributes to the effectiveness of the
essay.