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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Grading Criteria for Writing
Ideas:
This paper is clear and focused. It holds the reader's attention. Relevant anecdotes and details enrich the central theme.
A. The topic is narrow and manageable.
B. Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable.
C. Reasonably accurate details are present to support the main ideas.
D. The writer seems to be writing from knowledge or experience; the ideas are fresh and original.
E. The reader’s questions are anticipated and answered.
F. Insight—an understanding of life and a knack for picking out what is significant—is an indicator of high level performance, though not required.
Organization:
The organization enhances and showcases the central idea or theme. The order, structure, or presentation of information is compelling and moves the reader through the text.
A. An inviting introduction draws the reader in; a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of closure and resolution.
B. Thoughtful transitions clearly show how ideas connect.
C. Details seem to fit where they're placed; sequencing is logical and effective.
D. Pacing is well controlled; the writer knows when to slow down and elaborate, and when to pick up the pace and move on.
E. The title, if desired, is original and captures the central theme of the piece.
F. The choice of structure matches the purpose and audience, with effective paragraph breaks.
Voice:
The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling, and engaging. The writer crafts the writing with an awareness and respect for the audience and the purpose for writing.
A. The writer connects strongly with the audience through the intriguing focus of the topic, selection of relevant details, and the use of natural, engaging language.
B. The purpose of the writing is accurately reflected in the writer’s choice of individual and compelling content, and the arrangement of ideas.
C. The writer takes a risk by the inclusion of personal details that reveal the person behind the words.
D. Expository or persuasive writing reflects a strong commitment to the topic by the careful selection of ideas that show why the reader needs to know this.
E. Narrative writing is personal and engaging, and makes you think about the author’s ideas or point of view.
Word Choice:
Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural way. The words are powerful and engaging.
A. Words are specific and accurate. It is easy to understand just what the writer means.
B. Striking words and phrases often catch the reader's eye and linger in the reader's mind.
C. Language and phrasing are natural, effective, and appropriate for the audience.
D. Lively verbs add energy while specific nouns and modifiers add depth.
E. Choices in language enhance the meaning and clarify understanding.
F. Precision is obvious. The writer has taken care to put just the right word or phrase in just the right spot.
Sentence Fluency:
The writing has an easy flow, rhythm, and cadence. Sentences are well built, with strong and varied structure that invites expressive oral reading.
A. Sentences are constructed in a way that underscores and enhances the meaning.
B. Sentences vary in length as well as structure. Fragments, if used, add style. Dialogue, if present,
sounds natural.
C. Purposeful and varied sentence beginnings add variety and energy.
D. The use of creative and appropriate connectives between sentences and thoughts shows how each
relates to, and builds upon, the one before it.
E. The writing has cadence; the writer has thought about the sound of the words as well as the meaning. The first time you read it aloud is a breeze.
Conventions:
The writer demonstrates a good grasp of standard writing conventions (e.g., spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, paragraphing) and uses conventions effectively to enhance readability. Errors tend to be so few that just minor touch-ups would get this piece ready to publish.
A. Spelling is generally correct, even on more difficult words.
B. The punctuation is accurate, even creative, and guides the reader through the text.
C. A thorough understanding and consistent application of capitalization skills are present.
D. Grammar and usage are correct and contribute to clarity and style.
E. Paragraphing tends to be sound and reinforces the organizational structure.
F. The writer may manipulate conventions for stylistic effect—and it works! The piece is very close to being ready to publish.
This paper is clear and focused. It holds the reader's attention. Relevant anecdotes and details enrich the central theme.
A. The topic is narrow and manageable.
B. Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable.
C. Reasonably accurate details are present to support the main ideas.
D. The writer seems to be writing from knowledge or experience; the ideas are fresh and original.
E. The reader’s questions are anticipated and answered.
F. Insight—an understanding of life and a knack for picking out what is significant—is an indicator of high level performance, though not required.
Organization:
The organization enhances and showcases the central idea or theme. The order, structure, or presentation of information is compelling and moves the reader through the text.
A. An inviting introduction draws the reader in; a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of closure and resolution.
B. Thoughtful transitions clearly show how ideas connect.
C. Details seem to fit where they're placed; sequencing is logical and effective.
D. Pacing is well controlled; the writer knows when to slow down and elaborate, and when to pick up the pace and move on.
E. The title, if desired, is original and captures the central theme of the piece.
F. The choice of structure matches the purpose and audience, with effective paragraph breaks.
Voice:
The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling, and engaging. The writer crafts the writing with an awareness and respect for the audience and the purpose for writing.
A. The writer connects strongly with the audience through the intriguing focus of the topic, selection of relevant details, and the use of natural, engaging language.
B. The purpose of the writing is accurately reflected in the writer’s choice of individual and compelling content, and the arrangement of ideas.
C. The writer takes a risk by the inclusion of personal details that reveal the person behind the words.
D. Expository or persuasive writing reflects a strong commitment to the topic by the careful selection of ideas that show why the reader needs to know this.
E. Narrative writing is personal and engaging, and makes you think about the author’s ideas or point of view.
Word Choice:
Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural way. The words are powerful and engaging.
A. Words are specific and accurate. It is easy to understand just what the writer means.
B. Striking words and phrases often catch the reader's eye and linger in the reader's mind.
C. Language and phrasing are natural, effective, and appropriate for the audience.
D. Lively verbs add energy while specific nouns and modifiers add depth.
E. Choices in language enhance the meaning and clarify understanding.
F. Precision is obvious. The writer has taken care to put just the right word or phrase in just the right spot.
Sentence Fluency:
The writing has an easy flow, rhythm, and cadence. Sentences are well built, with strong and varied structure that invites expressive oral reading.
A. Sentences are constructed in a way that underscores and enhances the meaning.
B. Sentences vary in length as well as structure. Fragments, if used, add style. Dialogue, if present,
sounds natural.
C. Purposeful and varied sentence beginnings add variety and energy.
D. The use of creative and appropriate connectives between sentences and thoughts shows how each
relates to, and builds upon, the one before it.
E. The writing has cadence; the writer has thought about the sound of the words as well as the meaning. The first time you read it aloud is a breeze.
Conventions:
The writer demonstrates a good grasp of standard writing conventions (e.g., spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, paragraphing) and uses conventions effectively to enhance readability. Errors tend to be so few that just minor touch-ups would get this piece ready to publish.
A. Spelling is generally correct, even on more difficult words.
B. The punctuation is accurate, even creative, and guides the reader through the text.
C. A thorough understanding and consistent application of capitalization skills are present.
D. Grammar and usage are correct and contribute to clarity and style.
E. Paragraphing tends to be sound and reinforces the organizational structure.
F. The writer may manipulate conventions for stylistic effect—and it works! The piece is very close to being ready to publish.
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