300 Word Essay Rubric Score/Comments

Ideas/Content

5: The writer has narrowed the focus to a manageable level, crafting an engaging, vivid profile of 300 words or less. There is a strong lead, quotations, and a satisfying conclusion. Information that is not on topic has been excluded. The reader gets a clear message about the writer.

3: The writing is overly broad, but still manageable. The writer’s point is there, but it is not as clearly focused or clear as it could be. The supporting evidence is adequate to support the point, but either more details would help, or there is support material that is not truly on topic.

1: There might not be a clear focus or idea holding the story together. Support is missing or not clearly related to an idea.

Score 

1     2     3     4    5

Comments (if any):

Organization

5: The story has a clearly defined lead that introduces the subject well, a supporting middle, and end that brings the story to a satisfactory close. Transitions within the paragraphs and between paragraphs help define the organization.

3: The story has a beginning, middle, and end, but they do not achieve their purposes as well as they should. Paragraphs have topics, but they are not completely unified. Transitions sometimes help, but could be more effective. Although there is an attempt to sequence the presentation of details, it does not have as much logical flow as the best stories.

1: Paragraphing is not clear or is absent. There is little attempt to create a strong lead or conclusion. The arrangement of supporting information does not have a clear structure to it.

Score 

1     2     3     4     5

Comments (if any):

Sentence Fluency

5: The sentences are varied in length and structure. They help support the meaning and build reader interest. The writing has a cadence, or a sound that moves the reader along.

3: Some sentence variety is attempted, and the sentences are soundly written and not confusing to the reader. Some sentences might be awkward or clumsy.

1. Sentences have almost all the same pattern, with no attempt at variety or style. Some sentences may be incomplete or run on.

Score 

1     2     3     4     5

Comments (if any):

Conventions

5. The writing is generally free of errors in spelling, usage, and grammar. The few errors that exist can be fixed easily through editing and do not interfere with communication.

3. The writing has only moderate errors in spelling, usage, and grammar that can impede communication. Paragraphing is attempted, although they topic focus may not be clear.

1. Significant errors in spelling, usage, and grammar impede learning. Paragraphing is missing or irregular and unrelated to the meaning of the text.

Score 

1     2     3     4     5

Comments (if any):

Voice

5. The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling, and engaging. The writing as appropriate to both the audience and purpose of the writing.

Score 

1     2     3     4     5

3. The writer does not seem personally connected to the purpose or audience. The writing seems to be a formal exercise about which the writer has few personal feelings.

1. The purpose of the writing is not clear, and it tends to be lifeless and uninspiring.

Comments (if any):

Word Choice

5. Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural way. The words are powerful and engaging. Striking language and lively verbs enhance reader interest, and the words chosen are accurate and precise in meaning.

3. Word choices are generally accurate, and the writer attempts to use colorful and lively words. The text achieves the communicative purpose of the topic, but using everyday words and passive voice.

1. Language is vague and at times inaccurate. Vocabulary is limited. Inappropriate jargon and clichés may interfere with the connection with the audience.

Score 

1     2     3     4     5

Comments (if any):

Overall Comments and Evaluation

 Was the length appropriate for scoring?