EDITORIAL WRITING RUBRIC
Mr. Dawkins
RJHS JOURNALISM
NAME:___________________________________________
Skills
Argument
4
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Structure
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Grammar/
Mechanics &
Style
Sentence
Fluency /
Voice
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3
Argument is clearly stated in one
concise, clear sentence
Argument is clearly understood
early in the article
Argument is sound; the opinion is
based in fact and logic
Research is present, cited, and
appropriate for the topic
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Begins with a solid lead; type of
lead fits the topic
Nut graf and 5ws allow the
reader to understand the topic
and argument quickly and clearly
Details are given as a back-andforth between opinion and fact.
Details and specifics (HOW and
WHY) help support claims.
Story may come full circle to lead
the reader out, or may employ
another appropriate lead-out
technique
Paper has 1-3 total errors in
punctuation, capitalization,
spelling, verb-tense, AP Style
etc…
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Sentences are varied in length,
expression and structure
Active voice is used throughout
(when possible)
Relates to interest of the reader
and clearly reflects writer’s ideas
Displays a mastery of tone by
using confident, clear, and
original language.
2
Argument is stated, but may
not be clear or concise
Argument may be buried or
stated too late in the article
There may be flaws in the
argument; it may not be
supported by fact and logic
Research is present, but may
leave the reader wondering
about it or wanting more
Lead is present but may be
unclear or not fitting for the
topic
5ws are present, a nut graf
may try too do too much or not
enough to explain the topic
and argument
Details are present and help to
back up the claims
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Paper averages ONE error per
paragraph
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Sentences vary some in length
and structure
Correct voice used a majority
of the time
Reflects writer’s ideas well,
but may have
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0
Argument is unclear; there
may be more than one
argument or argument may
be contradicted.
There is no supporting
evidence for argument
Research may be unfounded,
lack proper citing, or be
inappropriate for topic
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Argument is missing altogether; there is
no argument
Lead may be buried, cliché, or
inappropriate
There is not a sufficient backand-forth between fact and
opinion
Details may be lacking
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Lead is missing altogether
The story reads more like a ‘rant’ or a
journal entry.
There are no details or specifics to back up
claims.
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Paper averages TWO errors
per paragraph
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Paper averages THREE or more errors per
paragraph
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Sentences all start and end
the same
Voice is emerging, but lacks
depth of meaning, is
unoriginal or replicates
existing story.
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Sentences all start and end the same
Incorrect voice used; voice may be too
informal or lacking in originality
Some awkward statements detract from
meaning
Story may be cliché or redundant. It may
be the same story we have seen before.
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