SCHOOL WIDE WRITING RUBRIC

EXEMPLARY

ADEPT

SATISFACTORY

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

FAILING

Purpose The thesis statement is clear and concise. The thesis statement is clear but not polished The thesis statement is correctly placed The thesis statement is unclear or weak. The thesis statement is irrelevant or missing.
Topic
Development
Number or quality of details/evidence shows deep understanding of the content and strongly supports the thesis. Details reveal an overall understanding of the topic and support the thesis Details support the thesis and show some understanding of the topic Details are not adequate in number and/or quality to prove the thesis Details do not support the thesis
Organization Logically ordered introduction, topic sentences, supporting details, and conclusion with clear transitions, showing evidence of careful planning. Logically ordered introduction, topic sentences based on thesis, supporting details, and conclusion Introduction, topic sentences, and conclusion are linked directly to thesis

One or more topic sentences not based on thesis, introduction and/or conclusion poorly written

Lack of organization apparent in introduction/conclusion and topic sentences are not linked to thesis
Language/
Style
Fluent and interesting to read.

Sophisticated vocabulary specific to the topic.
Communicates main ideas clearly

Proficient use of vocabulary specific to topic
Communicates main ideas adequately

Correct use of basic vocabulary specific to topic
Confusing at times

Faulty use of key terms
Choppiness and lack of clarity interfere with reader's comprehension

Misuse or nonuse of vocabulary specific to the topic
Standard
English
Conventions
Excellent command of punctuation, spelling, grammar

(fewer than 3 errors per page)
Good command of punctuation, spelling, grammar

(fewer than 5 errors per page)
Adequate command of punctuation, spelling, grammar

(fewer than 8 errors per page)
Poor command of punctuation, spelling, grammar

(fewer than 10 errors per page)
Number of errors, compromises reader's comprehension