iRubric: Rubric for Elementary Paragraph Writing

Student has written at least 3 supporting detailed sentences AND all sentences are on topic.

Student has written at least 3 supporting sentences
*Only 2 sentences are on topic.
AND/OR
*Sentences lack details

Student has written at least 3 supporting sentences
*Only 1 sentence is on topic.
AND/OR
*Sentences lack details

Student has attempted to write supporting details BUT none are on topic.

There are 0-2 spelling errors.

There are 3-4 spelling errors.

There are 5-6 spelling errors.

There are more than 6 spelling errors.

Purposeful and varied sentence beginnings add originality and energy. The creative use of connectives between sentences and thoughts shows how each one relates to, and builds upon the one before it.

Sentence beginnings are not wholly repetitive; some variety is attempted.
The reader sometimes has to hunt for clues that show how sentences are interrelated through connecting words or phrases.

Most of the sentences begin with the same words or phrases; there are few real transitions to add flow from sentence to sentence and beyond.

Most sentences begin the same way and may follow the same structure (e.g. subject, verb, object) in a monotonous pattern. Endless connectives (and, or, nor, but, so, yet, then, etc.) create a jumble of language that doesn't give the reader a chance to pause.