4 Points

The paper:

·         Has an effective beginning, middle, and end.

·         Uses paragraphing appropriately.

·         Contains a strong controlling idea.

·         Progresses in a logical order.

·         Uses effective cohesive devices (such as transitions, repetition, parallel structure) between and/or within paragraphs.

·         Clearly addresses the topic and provides specific and relevant details/examples.

·         Uses precise and vivid language.

·         Contains sentences that are clear and varied in structure.

·         Effectively uses writing techniques (such as imagery, humor, point of view, voice).

·         Clearly shows an awareness of audience and purpose.

·         Contains few errors in grammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling.

2 Points

The paper:

·         Has evidence of a beginning, middle, and end.

·         Shows evidence of paragraphing.

·         Contains some sense of direction, but may lack focus.

·         May not progress in a logical order.

·         At times seems awkward and lacks cohesion.

·         Addresses the topic, but may contain some details that are not relevant.

·         May use imprecise language.

·         Contains sentences that are generally clear, but lack variety in structure.

·         May use writing techniques.

·         Shows some awareness of audience and purpose.

·         Contains errors in grammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling that may be distracting to the reader.

3 Points

The paper:

·         Has a beginning, middle, and end.

·         Uses paragraphing.

·         Contains a controlling idea.

·         Generally progresses in a logical order.

·         May use cohesive devices.

·         Addresses the topic and uses relevant details/examples.

·         Uses language that is usually precise.

·         Contains sentences that are clear and show some variety in structure.

·         Uses writing techniques.

·         Shows an awareness of audience and purpose.

·         May contain errors in grammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization, and/or spelling that are not distracting to the reader.

1 Point

The paper:

·         May lack evidence of a beginning, middle, and/or end.

·         May lack evidence of paragraphing.

·         Is difficult to follow and lacks focus.

·         Does not progress in a logical order, and may digress to unrelated topics.

·         Is awkward and lacks cohesion.

·         May address the topic, but lacks details.

·         Uses imprecise language.

·         Contains sentences that are unclear and lack variety in structure.

·         Does not use writing techniques.

·         Shows little or no awareness of audience or purpose.

·         Contains repeated errors in grammar/usage, punctuation, capitalization and/or spelling that are distracting to the reader.