ESL 53 low
intermediate
writing and
grammar
Content
Advanced (4)
Proficient (3)
Satisfactory/Basic (2)
Below Basic/Not Satisfactory
(1)
Sentences contain
correct syntax and
are logical; writer
has stayed on topic.
Syntax mostly
correct, small
logical errors
that don’t
interfere with
overall
comprehension;
writer has
mostly stayed on
topic
Writer is able to
use basic verb
tenses mostly
well, some
minor errors that
don’t interfere
with
comprehension
Mostly
appropriate to
topic; may use
some words
incorrectly
and/or include
“false friends”
Words that
student should
know at this
level are spelled
mostly correctly
Student uses
capital letters for
most proper
nouns;
beginnings of
sentences are
usually
capitalized
Student uses
periods,
commas, and
question marks
mostly correctly
Sentences may be hard to
comprehend due to
syntax and/or lack of
logical structure; writer
has included content not
related to the topic
Sentences nearly
incomprehensible due to bad
syntax and/or no logical
structure; writer is completely
off-topic
Writer is able to use some
basic verb tenses but
work contains errors that
may interfere with
meaning
Writer is unable to use even
basic verb tenses; written work
is incomprehensible
Vocabulary is somewhat
appropriate to topic;
student has included false
friends or incorrect word
choice
Student uses mother tongue
vocabulary instead of English
vocabulary; English
vocabulary that is used is
incorrect and/or
incomprehensible
Many words that student
should know at this level
are spelled incorrectly
Few to no words are spelled
correctly
A few proper
nouns/beginnings of
sentences or capitalized
but student is still mostly
unaware of when to
capitalize
Student lacks the
understanding of when and
how to use capital letters
correctly
Some periods at end of
sentences; student may be
confused about when to
use question marks and
may being committing
‘comma abuse’ = too
many commas
Student lacks awareness of
how and when to use periods,
commas, and question marks
Grammar
Writer is able to use
the basic verb tenses
well and correctly
Vocabulary
Appropriate to topic;
level of
sophistication
matches student’s
learning level
Spelling
Words that student
should know at this
level are spelled
correctly
Capitalization
Student uses capital
letters for proper
nouns and at
beginning of
sentences
Punctuation
Student uses
periods, commas,
and question marks
correctly
I adapted this rubric from the one on the SLO website for use with my ESL 53 class in Spring 2011