Exceeds

Introduction grabs the reader and introduces the reader to my opinion. Related information is organized into paragraphs so it sounds very natural, supporting the argument, and flows very well. I include compelling, persuasive facts and details that support my argument. I have a variety of thoughtful transitions that connect my ideas smoothly. I use a variety of challenging vocabulary words that clearly persuade the reader and explain my argument. Conclusion clearly sums up the argument. Conclusion impacts and persuades the reader. I used a variety of sentence structure with no fragments or run-ons throughout my writing.

Meets
Introduction clearly introduces the reader my opinion. Related information is organized into paragraphs so it supports the argument.

Progressing
Introduction is confusing. The writer does not clearly introduce the reader to my opinion. Related information is organized and supports the argument some of the time. There are a few organizational errors. I have some good details and facts, but need to include more to support my argument. I have some transitions that connect ideas clearly. I use a lot of ordinary words that everyone uses. Conclusion does not properly sum up the argument (i.e. missing details, stops abruptly etc.) I use the correct and appropriate punctuation in some of my writing (1-3 errors). I use the correct and appropriate punctuation in some of my writing (1-3 errors). Most of my words are capitalized correctly (1-3 errors) I spelled commonly used words correctly.

Below
Introduction is missing or does not introduce reader to my opinion. Information is very disorganized so it does not support my argument.

Uses the writing process to create opinion/persuasive pieces, supporting a point of view with reason and information.

I have enough details and facts to support my argument. I have a variety of transitions that connect my ideas. My word choice clearly persuades the reader and explains my argument. My conclusion sums up my argument and clearly wraps up the paper.

I only have a few details or facts.

I did not include transitions. I use the first words that come to mind or words that do not seem to work. Conclusion is missing.

Expands, combines and/or reduces sentences for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.
I use complete sentences with few fragments or run-ons throughout my writing. I use the correct and appropriate punctuation all of the time (end marks, commas, quotations). ALL words are capitalized correctly Many punctuation marks are missing or incorrect (4 or more errors).

Correctly uses conventions (capitalization & punctuation, including commas)

Many punctuation marks are missing or incorrect (4 or more errors). Many words are missing correct capitalization (4 or more errors). I misspelled many commonly used words.

Spells grade-level words correctly, consulting references as needed

I spelled most 5 grade-level words correctly.
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