A Rubric For Writing

Here is a sample rubric for writing: Criteria - Title Excellent - Title piquest the reader´s curiosity by using unique vocabulary Acceptable - Title is based on the vocabulary of essay´s content Not Too Good - Title reiterates name of book or assignment Starting Over Again - No Title Criteria - First and Final Paragraphs Excellent - Strong engagement, and sense of closure Acceptable - Avoids the template, but doesn´t grab the reader Not Too Good - Flat, template-like beginning and closure Starting Over Again - Not distinguishable as beginning and ending paragraphs Criteria - Paragraph Sequence Excellent - Uses tect to effect transition from one pargraph to the next Acceptable - Transition achieved, but by an overuse of traditional words (likewise, so, therefore, et al) Not Too Good - Paragraphs ordered, but no sense of transition Starting Over Again - No logical sequence to paragraphs, disjointed Criteria - Sentence Contruction Excellent - Variety of sentence forms used to achieve balance Acceptable - Complex sentences, but too much prose Not Too Good - Declarative and compound sentences Starting Over Again - Short declarative sentences You can easily apply a letter grade to this rubric if that is your preference. It is always handy to word the rubric in such a way that you can hand it to your student in advance and let him know what you are looking for.