iRubric: Writing Rubric

*The writing is very clear and focused. *The main ideas and purpose stand out clearly. *Main ideas are well-supported with details and examples. *All details are relevant to the main idea. *The ideas have some freshness and insight. *The ideas fit the purpose and the audience. *The paper is interesting and holds the reader's attention.

*The writing is mostly clear and focused. *The main ideas and purpose are mostly clear. *Details and examples are used but may be somewhat limited or repetitive. *Most details are relevant to the main idea. *Some details may be off topic. *Some ideas and details are fresh; others are ordinary. *The paper is interesting to some degree. *The ideas and content are less than precisely right for the audience and purpose.

*The writing lacks clarity and focus. *It is hard to identify the main idea. *The purpose of the writing is not evident. *Details are few, not relevant, or repetitve. *Ideas or details have little sparkle or appeal to hold the reader's attention. *The paper has not developed an idea well.

*Sentences have a pleasing and natural flow. *When read aloud, sentences and ideas flow along smoothly from one to another. *Transitions between sentences are smooth and natural. *Sentences have varied length, structure, sound, and rhythm. *The structure of sentences focuses reader's attention on the main idea and key details. *The sentence sound and variety make the reading enjoyable. *If the writer uses dialogue, it is used correctly and effectively.

*Most of the sentences have a natural flow. *When read aloud, some sentences have a "less than fluid" sound. *Some or all transitions are awkward or repetitive. *The sentences convey the main idea and details, but without much craftmanship. *If the writer uses dialogue, it is somewhat less than fluid or effective.

*Most sentences are not fluid. *When read aloud, the writing sounds awkward or uneven. Some of the paper is confusing to read. *Transitions are not effective. *There is little variety in sentence length, structure, sound, or rhythm. *There may be incomplete or run-on sentences. *The sentence structure gets in the way of conveying content, purpose, or meaning.

*The organization of the piece allows the main ideas and key details to be conveyed well. *The piece has a compelling beginning that catches the attention of the reader. *Ideas are developed in a clear, interesting sequence. *The piece moves along from one idea, sentence, or paragraph to another in a manner that is smooth and useful to develop the meaning. *The piece has a compelling ending that ties up the idea well and leaves the reader feeling pleased.

*Organization is recognizable, but weak or inconsistent in some places. *The piece has a beginning that is not particularly inviting to the reader or not well-developed. *Some of the sequencing is confusing. *The piece does not always move along smoothly or clearly from one idea, sentence, or paragraph to another. *The piece has a clear ending, but is somewhat dull or underdeveloped, or does not adequately tie up the piece.

*The piece lacks clear organization. *For the most part, the lack of good organization gets in the way of the conveyance of the main ideas and key details. *The piece does not have a clear beginning or ending. *Ideas are not developed in any clear sequence, or the sequence is distracting. *The piece does not move along smoothly from one sentence or paragraph to another. *Important ideas or details seem to be missing or out of place. *The piece leaves the reader feeling confused.

*The piece was completed according to the directions/guidelines (including format and turned in on time). *The piece demonstrates effort on the part of the writer (neatness, legibility, pride in one's work).

*The piece was completed according to the directions/ guidelines to an extent, but is lacking in the format or was turned in one day late. *The piece demonstrates effort on the part of the writer, but not as much as was expected/typical.

*The piece was completed with little or no attention to the directions/guidelines (writer deviated from the format or turned the piece in more than one day late). *The piece demonstrates little to no effort on the part of the writer.