CRITERIA FOR THE PARAGRAPH

Point Value 2 points 1 points .5 points 0 points

Topic Sentence Interesting, original Clearly stated topic Acceptable topic Missing, invalid, or
topic sentence, sentence presents one sentence presents inappropriate topic
reflecting thought and main idea. one idea. sentence; main idea is
insight; focused on missing.
one interesting main
idea.
Supporting Details Interesting, concrete Examples and details Sufficient number of Insufficient, vague, or
and descriptive relate to the topic and examples and undeveloped
examples and details some explanation is details that relate to examples.
with explanations that included. the topic.
relate to the topic.
Organization and Thoughtful, logical Details are arranged in Acceptable No discernible pattern
Transitions progression of a logical progression; arrangement of of organization;
supporting examples; appropriate transitions. examples; transitions Unrelated details; no
Mature transitions may be weak. transitions.
between ideas.
Style Appropriate tone, Appropriate tone; Acceptable tone; Inconsistent or
distinctive voice; Clear sentences with some variety in Inappropriate tone;
pleasing variety in varied structures; sentence structures; Awkward, unclear, or
sentence structure; Effective diction. Adequate diction incomplete sentences;
Vivid diction, precise and word choices. Bland diction, poor
word choices. word choice.
Mechanics Consistent standard Some errors, but none A few errors in Distracting errors in
English usage, spelling, major, in usage, usage, spelling, or usage, spelling, or
and punctuation. No spelling, or punctuation (3-4) punctuation
errors. punctuation. (1-2)

CRITERIA FOR THE PARAGRAPH

Point Value 2 points 1 points .5 points 0 points

Topic Sentence Interesting, original Clearly stated topic Acceptable topic Missing, invalid, or
topic sentence, sentence presents one sentence presents inappropriate topic
reflecting thought and main idea. one idea. sentence; main idea is
insight; focused on missing.
one interesting main
idea.
Supporting Details Interesting, concrete Examples and details Sufficient number of Insufficient, vague, or
and descriptive relate to the topic and examples and undeveloped
examples and details some explanation is details that relate to examples.
with explanations that included. the topic.
relate to the topic.
Organization and Thoughtful, logical Details are arranged in Acceptable No discernible pattern
Transitions progression of a logical progression; arrangement of of organization;
supporting examples; appropriate transitions. examples; transitions Unrelated details; no
Mature transitions may be weak. transitions.
between ideas.
Style Appropriate tone, Appropriate tone; Acceptable tone; Inconsistent or
distinctive voice; Clear sentences with some variety in Inappropriate tone;
pleasing variety in varied structures; sentence structures; Awkward, unclear, or
sentence structure; Effective diction. Adequate diction incomplete sentences;
Vivid diction, precise and word choices. Bland diction, poor
word choices. word choice.
Mechanics Consistent standard Some errors, but none A few errors in Distracting errors in
English usage, spelling, major, in usage, usage, spelling, or usage, spelling, or
and punctuation. No spelling, or punctuation (3-4) punctuation
errors. punctuation. (1-2)