Writing Rubric

 
  No/Limited Proficiency
(
1 point)
Some Proficiency
(2 points)
Proficiency
(3 points)
High Proficiency
(4 points)

1.
Thesis/Focus
(a) Clarity         

(b) Originality

 

Reader cannot determine thesis & purpose OR thesis has no relation to the writing task.

Thesis and purpose are somewhat vague OR only loosely related to the writing task, AND/OR unimaginative

Thesis and purpose are fairly clear and match the writing task.  Thesis and purpose are somewhat original. Thesis and purpose are clear; closely match the writing task, and provide fresh insight.

2.
Organization

Unclear organization OR organizational plan is inappropriate to thesis. No transitions. Some signs of logical organization in support of the thesis. Transitions are abrupt, illogical, and ineffective. Organization supports thesis and purpose. Transitions are generally appropriate. However, sequence of ideas could be improved Fully & imaginatively supports thesis & purpose.  Sequence of ideas is effective.  Transitions are smooth and effective
3.
Support/Reasoning
(a) Ideas   
(b) Details

Offers simplistic, undeveloped, or cryptic support for ideas; Inappropriate or off-topic generalizations, faulty assumptions, errors of fact.

Offers some support that may that may be dubious, too broad or obvious.  Details are too general, not interpreted, irrelevant to thesis, or inappropriately repetitive

Offers solid but less original reasoning.  Assumptions are not always recognized or made explicit. Contains some appropriate details or examples

Substantial, logical, & concrete development of ideas.  Assumptions are made explicit. Details are germane, original, and convincingly interpreted

4.
Use of Sources:
Documentation
Fails to use sources AND/OR overuse of quotations or paraphrase AND/OR uses source material without acknowledgement. Uses relevant sources but substitutes them for the writer’s own ideas.  Quotations & paraphrases may be too long and/or inconsistently referenced.

Uses sources to support, extend, and inform, the writer’s own development of idea. Doesn’t overuse quotes, but may not always conform to required style manual.

Uses sources to support, extend, and inform, but not substitute writer’s own development of idea. Skillfully combines material from a variety of sources.  Always conforms to style manual.

5.
Style
(a)
Sentences   
(b) Diction         
(c) Tone/Voice
Superficial and stereotypical language.  Oral rather than written language patterns predominate Sentences show little variety, simplistic.  Diction is somewhat immature; relies on clichés. Tone may have some inconsistencies in tense and person Sentences show some variety & complexity. Uneven control. Diction is accurate, generally appropriate, less advanced. Tone is appropriate

Sentences are varied, complex, & employed for effect. Diction is precise, appropriate, using advanced vocabulary. Tone is mature, consistent, suitable for topic and audience

6.
Writing Conventions:
Grammar/Spelling/
Usage/Punctuation

 

Mechanical & usage errors so severe that writer’s ideas are difficult to understand

Repeated weaknesses in mechanics and usage. Pattern of flaws

Grammar and syntax are correct with very few errors in spelling or punctuation.

Essentially error free. Evidence of superior control of diction

 

Adapted by faculty from NEIU's General Education Committee, Dec. 2006

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