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| CATEGORY | Developing | Basic | Proficient | Advanced |
| Focus | The essay does not have a clear focus or thesis statement. There is no way to tell what audience it was written for. | The thesis statement is not very clear. Supporting facts are inconsistent. It is hard to tell what audience it was written for. | The essay fits the purpose for writing. The audience it was written for would probably like it. The ideas are interesting. | The essay fits the purpose for writing very well. There is a sharp, distinct, controlling point made about the topic. The audience it was written for would enjoy it. |
| Content Development | Minimal evidence of content that demonstrates a lack of understanding of the purpose. Superficial, undeveloped writing with little or no support. May be a bare list. | Inadequate, vague content that demonstrates a weak understanding of the purpose. Underdeveloped and/or repetitive elaboration with inconsistently supported information. May be an extended list. . | Adequate, specific, and/or illustrative content that demonstrates an understanding of the purpose. Sufficient elaboration with clearly presented information supported with well- chosen details. | Substantial, relevant, and illustrative content that demonstrates a clear understanding of the purpose. Thorough elaboration with effectively presented information consistently supported with well-chosen details |
| Organization | The essay does not have a beginning, a middle, and an ending. The essay has no description or details. | The essay does not have a clear beginning, middle, or ending. The essay has only a few details and just a little description. | The essay has 5 main paragraphs including an introduction and conclusion. The essay has some description and a few good details. | The essay has a clear introduction that tells the thesis statement, 3 body paragraphs that include description and rich details, and a conclusion that summarizes the topic in an engaging manner. |
| Voice | There is a lack of enthusiasm for the topic. | The essay is written with some confidence and commitment. The writer has some difficulty connecting with the audience. | The essay is written in a competent manner. The author has a solid understanding of the topic and is able to convey this knowledge to the reader in a confident manner. | The personality of the writer is evident. The author's enthusiasm and knowledge bring the subject to life. The tone is appropriate for the topic. |
| Word Choice | Verbs, nouns, and/or modifiers lack the ability to create an image. Vocabulary use is limited and meanings are unclear. | Some verbs, nouns and/or modifiers are used in a descriptive manner. Words are used accurately and convey their meanings. | Words are well chosen and convey ideas in an interesting, engaging manner. Figurative language is used. Vocabulary is a bit technical, but meanings are generally clear. | Words are well chosen and convey ideas in a powerful manner. Figurative language, strong imagery, and technical vocabulary are effectively used. |
| Sentence Fluency | Most sentences are not written correctly. | Almost all the sentences are written in the same way. | Some of the sentences show variety, but many are the same type. | The sentences are written in a variety of ways to make the writing interesting to read. |
| Conventions | There are so many errors that the writing is hard to understand. | There are many errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. | The story has very few errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. |
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D. Fischer
Updated: May 10, 2008