Government Writing Rubric

60%
Ideas: The heart of the
message, content of the
piece, main theme, with
details that enrich and
develop the theme.
5 This paper is clear and
focused. It holds the
readers attention.
Relevant anecdotes and
details enrich the central
theme.

20%
Organization: The internal
structure, the thread of
central meaning, the logical
and sometimes intriguing
pattern of ideas.
5 The organizational
structure of this paper
enhances and showcases
the central idea or theme
of the paper; including a
satisfying introduction
and conclusion.

A. Completely answers the

question
B. Insightful details:
relevance, quality, accurate,
and original

A. Thesis sums up essay and

creates structure.
B. Structure is logical and
effective
C. Pacing is well controlled
(Equal time to all sub points)
3 The organizational
structure is strong
enough to move the
reader though the text
without much confusion.

3 The writer is beginning

to define the topics, even
though development is
still basic.
A. Partially answers the
question
B. Meets two of the following
regarding insightful details:
relevance, quality, accurate,
and original
1 The paper has no clear
sense of purpose or
central theme. The
reader must make
inferences based on
sketchy or missing
details.
A. Doesnt answer the
question
B. Meets zero of the
insightful details: relevance,
quality, accurate, and
original
Key Question: Did the
writer address the question
precisely and effectively?

20%
Word Choice: The use of
academic vocabulary that
enlightens the reader.
5 Words convey the
message in a precise way.

A. Uses academic vocabulary

and demonstrates exemplary
comprehension
B. Demonstrates use of
effective and appropriate
language.
3 The language is
functional, but lacks
meaning.

A. An attempt was made on

the thesis, but is weak.
B. Sequencing shows some
logic, yet structure takes
away from the content.
C. Pacing is fairly well
controlled
1 The writing lacks a clear
sense of direction.

A. Uses academic vocabulary

in a general context and
demonstrates basic
comprehension
B. Attempts the use of
effective and appropriate
language
1 The writer struggles
with a limited vocabulary.

A. No thesis is present
B. Sequencing doesnt make
sense or follow one another
C. No structure- No
paragraphs, etc

A. The use of academic

vocabulary is non-specific or
distracting.
B. Language is used
incorrectly

Key Question: Does the

format distract from the
message?

Key Question: Do the words

and phrases demonstrate
comprehension and
integration of vocabulary into

the writing?