A Writing Evaluation Rubric

(Modified from the PENNSYLVANIA WRITING ASSESSMENT DOMAIN SCORING GUIDE
by the La Salle University Department of Education)

FOCUS

 CONTENT

 ORGANIZATION

 STYLE

 CONVENTIONS

The single controlling point made with an awareness of task (mode) about a specific topic.

The presence of ideas developed through facts, examples, anecdotes, details, opinions, statistics, reasons and/or explanations.

The order developed and sustained within and across paragraphs using transitional devices including introduction and conclusion. APA style is utilized correctly unless its use is specifically waived by the instructor.

The choice, use of arrangement of words and sentence structures that create tone and voice.

The use of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation.

ADVANCED

Sharp, distinct controlling point made about a single topic with evident awareness of task

Substantial, specific, and/or illustrative content demonstrating strong development and sophisticated ideas

Sophisticated arrangement
of content with evident and/or subtle transitions. Unless waived, APA style is utilized correctly throughout

Precise, illustrative use of a variety of words and sentence structures to create consistent writer's voice and tone appropriate to audience

Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation

PROFICIENT

Apparent point made about a single topic with sufficient awareness of task

Sufficiently developed content with adequate elaboration or explanation

Functional arrangement
of content that sustains a
logical order with some
evidence of transitions. Unless waived or limited, APA style is utilized with minor imperfections

Generic use of variety of words and sentence structures that may or may not create writer's voice and tone appropriate to audience

Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation

BELOW BASIC

No apparent point but evidence of a specific topic

Limited content with inadequate elaboration or explanation

Confused or inconsistent
arrangement of content
with or without attempts at
transition

Limited word choice and control of sentence structures that inhibit voice and tone

Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation

Superficial and/or minimal content

Minimal control of content arrangement

Minimal variety in word choice and minimal control of sentence structures

Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation