Assessment of Reading and Writing

Primary Division

Rubric and Sample Student Responses with Annotations

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 EQAO Writing: Topic Development Rubric and
Scoring Guide

Prompt: Would you rather be able to move very fast or fly very high? Write a paragraph explaining
which you would choose and why.

Code Descriptor

B Blank: nothing written or drawn (paper version only) or typed in the space provided

The response is/has one of the following:

• illegible: cannot be read; completely crossed out or erased (paper version

I only); not written in English
• irrelevant: does not attempt the assigned prompt (e.g., has drawings, “I don’t
know,” random characters, a comment about the task)
• off topic: there is no relationship between the written work and the prompt
• errors in conventions that prevent communication

The response is not developed; the ideas and information are limited and unclear.
10 Organization* is random with few or no links between ideas. The response has a
limited relationship to the assigned task.**

The response is minimally developed with few ideas and little information.
20 Organization* is minimal with weak links between ideas. The response is partly
related to the assigned task.**

The response has a clear focus and is adequately developed with ideas and supporting
30 details. Organization* is simple or mechanical with adequate links between ideas. The
response is clearly related to the assigned task.**

The response has a clear focus and is well-developed with sufficient specific and
40 relevant ideas and supporting details. Organization* is logical and coherent with
effective links between ideas. The response has a thorough relationship to the
assigned task.**

*Organization refers to the sequencing of information and events. The links may be explicit (e.g., transition words) or
implicit (the right information at the right time).
**Task refers to form, purpose and audience.
 Code 10
Would you rather be able to move very fast or fly very high? Write a paragraph explaining which you would choose
and why.

I rather move very fast because so I can get stuff done really fast. And so I can run across the hole Island and Explore.
And I dont want to go to high.

Annotation: The response is not developed; ideas and information are limited and unclear (e.g., …so I can get stuff
done really fast. …so I can run across the hole Island and Explore. … I dont want to go to high.). Organization is random
with few links between ideas.

Response has a limited relationship to the assigned task.

Code 20
Would you rather be able to move very fast or fly very high? Write a paragraph explaining which you would choose
and why.

I will like to travel fast because you can get to places faser like school, dance class and work. You can be ontime where
ever you go. I like going very high in the sky to.

Annotation: The response is minimally developed, with few ideas for moving fast (e.g., …be ontime where ever you
go. I like going very high in the sky to.) and little information as to why it is the student’s choice (e.g., …you can go to
places faser like school, dance class and work.). Organization is minimal with a simple opening sentence and weak links
between ideas (e.g., I will like… You can be… I like…).

The response is partly related to the assigned task.

 Code 30
Would you rather be able to move very fast or fly very high? Write a paragraph explaining which you would choose
and why.

I would rather be able to move very fast because I would be unstopabul I could run around the world ten times in one
minite. I could be the best at every game it of not it I could be good at tag, capcher the flag, man hunt, hide-and-go-seek,
and lot’s more and that is why I rather to move very fast.

Annotation: The response has a clear focus and is adequately developed ideas and supporting details (e.g., …I would
be unstopabul…run around the world ten times in one minite…be the best at every game…tag, capcher the flag, man
hunt, hide-and-go-seek, and lot’s more…). Organization is simple with simple opening and closing sentences and
adequate links between ideas (e.g., I would rather…because…I could be…and that is why…)

The response is clearly related to the assigned task.

Code 40
Would you rather be able to move very fast or fly very high? Write a paragraph explaining which you would choose
and why.

I would choose run very fast. The 1st reason is I could win races for my school at track and field and recive a ribbon for
coming in 1st place. The 2nd reason is I get to school early and play soccer before the bell rings. The third reason is I could
be a better foot ball player and win the cup for my team. Those are 3 raeson why I would want to run very fast.

Annotation: The response has a clear focus, with well-developed ideas and specific details for (e.g., … win races for
my school at track and field and recive a ribbon for coming in 1st place. …get to school early and play soccer before the
bell rings. …be a better foot ball player and win the cup for my team…). Organization is logical, with opening and closing
sentences and clear, effective links between ideas (e.g., I would choose... The 1st reason is… The 2nd reason is… The
third reason is… Those are 3 raeson why I would want to run very fast.).

The response has a clear and thorough relationship to the assigned task.