Content & Development
3 Points / Poor
- Content is incomplete.
- Major points are not clear and/or persuasive.
- Little use of direct quotes indicates weaknesses in interviewing.
- Many questions readers might have are left unanswered.
- Content is not comprehensive.
- Lead is adequate.
- Major points are addressed, but not well supported.
- Content is inconsistent with regard to purpose and clarity of thought.
- Limited use of quotations demonstrates weakness in interviewing.
- Some questions readers might have are left unanswered.
- Content is comprehensive and accurate with a compelling lead that answers the five W’s and H.
- Major points are stated clearly and are well supported with accurate details.
- Content and purpose of the writing are clear.
- Direct and indirect quotations are used to add authority to the writing.
- Details show evidence of effective interviewing.
- Facts are presented objectively with a lack of editorializing.
Organization & Structure
3 Points / Poor
- Structure of the article interferes with readability.
- Article is disjointed and lacks transition of thoughts.
- Organization and structure detract from the content.
- Paragraph transitions require improvement.
- Structure of the article adheres to the inverted pyramid.
- Paragraphs are short enough to maintain visual interest.
- Transitions allow information to flow easily for maximum readability.
- Use of direct and indirect quotations is balanced.
Format, Punctuation & Spelling
3 Points / Poor
- Article lacks many elements of the correct format.
- Frequent errors in spelling/accentuation or punctuation.
- Article is inadequate/excessive in length.
- Article follows most guidelines.
- Occasional faults in spelling/accentuation or punctuation.
- Article is the appropriate length as described for the assignment.
- No faults with respect to spelling/accentuation or punctuation.
- Copy adheres to AP style.
Grammar & Vocabulary
3 Point / Poor
- Numerous grammatical and mechanical errors interfere with readability.
- Article contains few grammatical errors.
- Vocabulary somewhat limited.
- Standard rules of grammar and usage are followed.
- Language is clear and precise; sentences display consistently strong, varied structure.
- Writing employs strong use of precise vocabulary.
Deadlines
3 Points / Poor
- The final deadline was not met.
- Only the final deadline was met.
- All deadlines were met.
Headline
Bonus Point / Poor
- Easily overlooked by the reader.
- Provides the reader with little content information.
- Written in past tense.
- Weak verbs are used.
- Moderately engages the reader.
- Somewhat summarizes the content of the story.
- Written in past tense.
- Verbs of being and infinitives are used.
- Effectively engages the reader.
- Accurately summarizes the content of the story.
- Written in present tense.
- Strong verbs are used.