1010 Pilot Paper 1
Distinguished (A) Proficient (B)
Focus Excellent focus that
reflects a significant
20% insight that is the result of
careful and extended
interaction with a clearly
defined topic. The reader
is intrigued by the writer’s
claim.
Developmen The body of the writing
t supports the focus with
examples and clear,
30% thorough discussion.
Development of sections
are balanced.
The concluding paragraph
does not summarize, but
instead, brings the writing
to a close in a way that
challenges the reader to
continue considering the
writer's claim.
Organization In addition to the criteria
for Proficient, the writing
20% effectively avoids cliché
organizational structures
and transitions.
Novice (C) Emerging (D)
Offers a clear focus and There is an attempt to
original thought that express a central idea, but
effectively invites the the focus may be
reader to consider the simplistic, biased, or
writer's claim. contain little originality.
Obvious effort made Support for the main idea
toward saying something may be sparse or illogical,
meaningful, but it may and the writer may
lapse in analysis and/or depend on restating ideas
discussion from time to or offering multiple
time, missing examples rather than
opportunities to explain analyzing or explaining the
ideas fully. importance of those
The conclusion may feel examples.
uncertain or rely on
quotes for impact. The conclusion is
mundane and may
summarize the ideas given
in the essay rather than
bringing the writing to a
satisfying and illuminating
close.
The writing is logically An organizational system
organized and employs is in place, but there are
transitions that express one or two distracting
how each idea is related moments in terms of
to the one before it. All transitions and
sections relate together paragraphing.
and to the focus
statement.
Developing (F)
In between Novice & Does not contain a clear
Developing. focus.
In between Novice & It is clear the writer has
Developing. not understood the
assignment and/or the
subject matter fully and
struggles throughout to
have enough to say. It
may appear that the
writer has given little time
to the discussion or moves
away from the focus. The
conclusion may be weak,
unrelated, or not present.
An organizational system The writing does not
is attempted; however, contain a clear structure.
errors in transitions, The reader is unable to
paragraphing, and/or follow the writer’s
logical organization leave argument.
the audience confused.
Voice The writer’s personality is
present and appropriate
10% to the context. The writer
has established their
credibility to write about
the topic.
Audience The reader's identity is
clearly discernible, and
10% the writing is tailored to
this intended reader.
The writing communicates
care about the reader's
perspective while tactfully
attempting to overcome
cognitive biases the
reader may have.
The reader leaves richer
for having read the piece.
Conventions There are 2 or fewer
grammatical/mechanical
10% errors.
Formatting, including
citations, is appropriate
for the genre.
While the writer's voice is
present, their personal
investment in/experience
with the topic is only
mentioned briefly.
Rhetorical appeals need
more attention.
In between Distinguished
& Developing.
There are few
grammatical and
mechanical issues.
Formatting is appropriate
for the genre.
Language and content In between Novice & The writer’s voice and
may be so general that it Developing. credibility are not present.
obscures the writer’s
personality, sense of
purpose, and/or ability to
speak to the topic.
The writer's audience is In between Novice & The writing doesn't seem
too broad and/or the Developing. to be focused on any
rhetorical appeals are particular audience.
inappropriate for the
intended audience.
Grammatical/mechanical Frequent, seemingly Grammatical/mechanical
issues impede the reader, careless errors are so significant
detracting from the grammatical/mechanical that the reader struggles
writer's focus. errors. to understand.
The errors imply the Appears the writer does Let your instructor know if
writer attempting to use not use spelling or you need extra support
conventions correctly but grammar check apps. from the department in
is confused about some of this regard.
the rules.
AND/OR
The writer has formatted
incorrectly for the genre.