0
(Nothing)
ORGANIZATION
Only a few words or
phrases are written,
there is no beginning
or end
MECHANICS
(Spelling,
grammar, etc.)
Writing is not
comprehensible—
little or no
punctuation is used
and nearly all words
are misspelled
WRITING RUBRIC (©D. Cook-Hirai, 2004)
2
3
(Some Evidence)
(Evidence
Somewhat
Adequate)
Student writes
Student writes
Student writes
words/phrases
sentences or
sentences or
which
[paragraphs which
paragraphs which
demonstrate a
introduce and
introduce and
beginning & some
summarize the
summarize the topic
related concepts
topic
using a few transition
words (first, next,
then)
Writing includes
Writing includes
Writing still includes
some mechanics
invented spelling,
spelling errors, but
(subject/verb
but is now
now demonstrates
agreement), but
demonstrates
correct use of
still demonstrates
correct ending
adjectives and
little punctuation
punctuation, capital
adverbs descriptive
and uses
letters, and
phrases, with
invented spelling
subject/verb
appropriate middle
agreement, etc.
(commas, quotation
marks) and ending
punctuation
1
(Little Evidence)
EVIDENCE
(Content)
Writing does not
relate to assigned
topic
Writing addresses
the content of the
topic 2-3 times,
but the writing
mostly relates to
something else
Writing relates to
the topic for at
least ½ the
composition with
some references to
details
Writing relates to the
topic most of the time
and demonstrates
knowledge of the
topic with more
detailed references
SENTENCE
STRUCTURE
No complete
sentences—only
words or phrases
Very few
complete
sentences
Most sentences
are complete, but
very simple
Almost all sentences
are complete with
some complex
sentences used
Vocabulary is mostly
incomprehensible
Vocabulary
begins to relate to
proper syntax and
the topic
Vocabulary is
basic, some
descriptive words
are used and does
relate to the topic
and syntax
Vocabulary is clear,
but still simple, with
some use of
figurative language
VOCABULARY
4
(Evidence
Adequate)
5
(Proficient)
Student writes
sentences or
paragraphs which
introduce and
summarize the
topic with
appropriate
transitions
Writing is nearly
free of spelling
errors, most
grammar is correct
with some, but few
errors still
evident—exhibits
correct use of most
parts of speech
(prepositional
phrases) and
colons and semicolons
Writing is coherent
and knowledgeable
and sticks to the
topic, but there is
room for more
references and
details
Sentences are
complete and vary
in length and
structure, active-passive voice used
in appropriate
structure
Vocabulary is near
grade level, with
idioms, similes,
metaphors and
other figurative
language used
Student
demonstrates clear
sequencing and
proficiency
appropriate for
their grade level
state standards
Writing
demonstrates clear
and concise
knowledge of
mechanics and
makes few to no
errors, according to
state standards,
including correct
use of apostrophes
Writing is clear,
concise and uses
appropriate details
and references
according to grade
level standards
Sentence and
paragraph
structure
demonstrate grade
level competency
Vocabulary always
relates to the
syntax and is
appropriate for
grade level