Belle Creek Charter School

Belle Creek Charter School

5thGrade

WRITING RUBRIC

Name______Focus______Date______Score______

1
Experimenting / 2
Developing / 3
Effective / 4
Strong
Ideas
(The meaning & development of the message) / -Searching for topic
-Limited or missing information
-No meaningful details
-Random or disconnected thoughts / -Beginning to define topic
-Lack of specific information
-Vague details
-Glimmer of main point / -Topic defined but broad
-Content clear, but not defined
-Details present but not precise
-Developing theme / -Narrowed topic
-Relevant & accurate details
-Goes beyond obvious or predictable
-Shows connections & insights
Organization
(The internal structure of the piece) / -No topic sentence or conclusion
-No sequence or pacing
-No supporting details
-No transitions or connections / -Ineffective topic sentence or conclusion
-Some sequence, but confusing
-1 supporting detail per paragraph
-Few transitions or connections
-Structure detracts from content / -Simple topic sentence or conclusion
-Mostly logical sequencing / pacing
-Basic beginning, middle & end
-2 supporting details per paragraph
-Simple transitions / connections / -Effective topic sentences & good conclusion
-Sequencing works well
-Consistent use of transitions
-3 or more supporting details
-Smooth organization
Voice
(The way the writer brings the topic to life) / -No concern for audience
-Lifeless & mechanical
-Inappropriate or flat
-Lacks purpose / -Occasionally intrigues reader
-Generally ‘risk free’
-General statements require reader interpretation
-Purpose lacks conviction / -Reader / writer connection present
-Pleasing yet ‘safe’
-Energy level consistent
-Purpose is credible but not powerful / -Effective & strong reader / writer connection
-Takes ‘risks’
-Reflects interest in & commitment to topic
-Purpose is powerful & engaging
Word Choice
(The specific vocabulary the writer uses to convey meaning) / -Vocabulary is limited
-Simple words used incorrectly
-No figurative language
-Words do not convey meaning / -Generally correct words, no spice
-Language is functional
-Attempts interesting words
-Words convey general meaning / -Some active verbs & precise nouns
-Moments of ‘sparkle’
-Effective use of figurative language
-Words enhance meaning / -Powerful & engaging words
-Wording accurate, specific & precise
-Artful use of figurative language
-Words / language creates meaningful pictures
Sentence Fluency
(The way the words & phrases flow throughout the text) / -Choppy, rambling, or incomplete
-No ‘sentence sense’
-Oral reading difficult
-Repetitive beginning / -Phrasing effects readability
-Sentence structure impairs understanding
-Parts invite oral reading
-Too many sentence begin the same way / -Sentences more mechanical than fluid
-Sentences usually hang together
-Can be read aloud easily
-Sentences begin differently / -Easy flow & rhythm
-Strong & varied sentence
-Invites expressive reading
-Overall sentence structure enhances meaning
Spelling / Spelling errors impede readability / Spelling errors on easy words / Spelling generally correct on basic words / Few spelling errors even on more difficult words
Grammar / -Many usage & grammar errors
-Lack of paragraphing / -Some usage & grammar errors
-Paragraphing irregular / Grammar & usage errors infrequent / -Grammar & usage correct with clarity
-Paragraphing enhances style
Punctuation & Capitalization / Incorrect or lack of capitalization & punctuation / Errors on basic punctuation & capitalization / Routine punctuation & capitalization used correctly / Consistent use of punctuation & capitalization
Presentation
(Overall appearance of the work) / -Handwriting unreadable
-Random spacing or lack of spacing
-Poor use of white space
-Overall appearance unacceptable
-No indenting for new paragraphs / -Handwriting poor
- Some thought given to spacing
-Some paragraphs are indented
-Overall appearance is distracting
-Attempts at margins & headers / -Handwriting mostly readable but inconsistent
-Attempts consistent spacing
-Margins & headers effective
-Overall appearance is acceptable / -Legible & uniform handwriting
-Spacing improves clarity
-All paragraphs are indented
-Appearance shows balance & proportion & is pleasing

REV 10/11/2018