Level

Organization & Focus

Mechanics & Structure

Word Choice

Style

6

Writing reflects an introduction that arouses the interest of the reader and/or makes clear the purpose of the composition in an exemplary way. Ideas are insightful and perceptive. Writing is very well organized. Writing reflects purpose and audience.

Shows exemplary command of conventions of language. Sentence structure will formed and varied. Few or no errors.

Effective, imaginative vocabulary, rich with original choices.

--powerful energy

5

Writing reflects an introduction that arouses the interest of the reader and/or makes clear the purpose of the composition. Ideas show thought and understanding. Writing is well organized, ideas logically and clearly expressed.

Successful use of conventions of language. Uses complete sentences with variety. Few errors in spelling, punctuation, usage.

Vocabulary is colorful and precise, shows good choice of words.

--strong energy

4

Ideas show thought and understanding. Writing shows evidence of organization and development.

Sentence structure is generally well formed and shows some variety. Some errors in usage, spelling, punctuation.

Vocabulary is appropriate, may be imaginative or creative.

--some energy

3

Writes to a topic with some evidence of focus and organization, but may not be fully developed.

Sentence structure is complete but may lack variety. Frequent errors in mechanics, spelling and punctuation.

Simple vocabulary with limited variety of word choice.

--little energy

2

Simple response to topic. Little evidence of organization. Lacks sequential development

Sentence structure may be complete with little variety. Inconsistent use of details. Frequent errors in spelling, mechanics, punctuation.

--tone is flat

1

Limited response to topic. Limited development. Off topic.

Inconsistent use of complete sentences. Limited use of details. Frequent and serious errors in mechanics, spelling and punctuation.

No sense of descriptive vocabulary.

--lacks style