Chester Writing Rubric (Grades 5-12)

Name ____________________________ Class ________________ Date _____________

                           Rate students from 5 to 1 ( 5 = strong, 1 = needs improvement )

•   The Paper is Clear, Interesting, and Original
  ___written from writer's experience
  ___written with good insight (sense of world, people, situations)
  ___writing is enlivened, spontaneous, and from a fresh perspective
  ___writing is supported with details, research, and concrete examples
  ___primary and secondary ideas are developed
   

•   Organization Helps to Clearly Convey the Message
  ___introductory paragraph, which includes a clear, concise thesis statement
  ___main points developed fully in a sound paragraph
  ___summarizing conclusion, restating the thesis statement
  ___transitions work well (with paragraphs and as a whole)
  ___organization flows smoothly with details correctly placed
   

•   Voice of the Writer Accomplishes the Purpose
  ___paper is honest and sincere
  ___writing is natural and compelling
  ___tone is appropriate
  ___writer's interest is evident
   

•   Word Choice is Consistent With the Purpose
  ___words are specific, accurate, and suited to the subject
  ___vocabulary is appropriate for the purpose and audience
  ___figurative language is used when appropriate
   

• Sentence Structure Helps the Paper Read Smoothly
  ___sentence structure clearly conveys meaning
  ___writing sounds natural and fluent
  ___sentence fragments and run-on sentences are avoided
  ___varied sentence structure and length
   

• The Writer Displays Skillful Writing Conventions
  ___grammar is correct
  ___punctuation is correct
  ___spelling is correct
  ___usage is correct
  ___paragraphing is appropriate

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