Ideas/Content
6 points = clear main idea; relevant information; ideas connected sequentially
and/or logically; supporting details and examples
4 points = sometimes departs from main idea; sometimes departs from main
idea; some information; inconsistent development of ideas; some supporting
details
2 points = no clear main idea; limited information; ideas not connected,
not logical; confusing or no supporting details
Voice
6 points = strong, sincere, personal style; interesting
4 points = sometimes without personal style; somewhat interesting, enthusiastic
2 points = no personal style; not interesting; lifeless
Sentence
Structure
3 points = easy to read and understand; smooth transitions/easy flow; varied
sentences
2 points = sentences not always easy to read or understand; not varied;
not always smooth transitions
1 point = sentence errors make sentences hard to read or understand; no
sentence variation; no transitions
Word
Choice
3 points = uses wide range of words; varied and effective vocabulary choices
2 points = uses ordinary words with little variety; somewhat limited vocabulary
1 point = no new or different words; limited vocabulary; weak, repetitive
language
Organization
3 points = organizational structure apparent; clear beginning and ending;
paragraphs
2 points = organizational structure not always present; attempts for beginning
and ending; indicates paragraphs
1 point = no apparent organizational structure; no clear beginning and
ending; no paragraphs
Mechanics
3 points = no major errors; writing easy to read and understand
2 points = some errors (grammar, syntax, punctuation) that make reading
and understanding difficult
1 point = many errors (grammar, syntax, punctuation); writing difficult
to read; difficult to understand
