Rubric for Evaluation of the Paragraph

A rubric is a grading tool that describes the criteria, or "what counts," for the assignment.  It also describes
each of the criteria according to gradations of quality, with descriptions of strong, middling, and problematic
student work.  The criteria are listed in the column on the left.  The numbers in the top row indicate quality,
with 3 being the best.   The number 0 is something everyone wants to avoid.  Students may use the rubric as a
check list to determine if the writing meets the criteria of the assignment.

2 points 1 point .5 point 0 point

Point Value
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 Interesting, concrete Examples and details Sufficient number of Insufficient, vague, or
Details  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 examples; Unrelated details; no
Mature transitions transitions. transitions may be transitions.
between ideas. weak.
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, major, in usage, usage, spelling, or usage, spelling, or
spelling, and spelling, or punctuation (3-4) punctuation
punctuation. No punctuation. (1-2)
errors.

Topic Sentences                                      ______

Supporting Details and Organization    ______ Grade Equivalent:
Organization/Transitions                        ______
Style                                                           ______ A =  8 - 10 points
                                                ______ B =  6 -7  points
C =  4 - 5 points
D =  2 - 3 points
F =  0 - 1
            Total Points  ______ = grade of ______
*Your instructor will average the scores of both paragraphs to
generate your final grade for WRITTEN WORK.