Conventions
4 / 4 The messageis very clear and focused.- The message or point to this writing is very clear.
- The writing is strongly focused on a single message or point.
- Many supporting details make the writing interesting.
- The introduction is clever and/or unusual and may have multiple sentences.
- Information and/or events are sequenced in an intentionalway that makes sense.
- A variety of transitions are used or time/order is very clear without specific transitions. (Student has moved beyond formulaic writing)
- The conclusion wraps up the writing in a unique and/or interesting way.
- Capitals are used correctly.
- End marks are used correctly.
- Almost all words are spelled correctly.
- All letters are formed correctly, touch the line, and are evenly spaced.
3 / 3 The messageis generally focused.
- There is a message or point to this writing.
- The message is clear.
- Some supporting details make the writing interesting.
- The introduction is a simple sentence and/or a restatement of the prompt.
- Information and/or events are sequenced in a way that makes sense.
- Transitions are used. (e.g., first, next, then, last, etc.)
- The conclusion feels like an exit.
- Capitals are used correctly most of the time.
- End marks are used correctly most of the time.
- Many grade level words are spelled correctly.
- Almost all letters are formed correctly, touch the line, and are evenly spaced.
2 / 2 The message isunclear.
- It is difficult to find a focus in this paper.
- The message is not clear.
- Lackssufficientsupporting details.
- The introduction has been attempted.
- The sequence of information and/or events does not always make sense.
- Some transitions don’t fit or are missing.
- The conclusion is abrupt. (Incomplete sentence i.e., “The End”, “Bye, Bye”, etc.).
- Some capitals are missing or not used correctly.
- Some end marksare missing or not used correctly.
- Some grade level words are spelled correctly.
- The handwriting can be read but appearance is sloppy.
1 / 1 There is no message.
- The writing is copied words or unreadable.
- Ideas are missing.
- Supporting details are missing or cause confusion.
- The introduction is missing.
- The sequence of information and/or events is scrambled.
- Transitions are missing.
- The conclusion is missing.
- Capitals are missing or not used correctly.
- End marksare missing.
- There are many spelling errors.
- The handwriting is not legible.
Sumner School District (revised work of NWREL Macintosh HD:Desktop Folder:1st Grade Rubric Nov 2006 .doc
November 2006
Word Choice
/Sentence Fluency
/ Voice4 / 4 Precise, interesting and vivid words effectively convey the message.
- Words are usedaccurately and precisely.
- Strong energetic words enliven the writing.
- Clear, colorful and vivid imagesare created.
- The writing is smooth and expressive. One idea flows easily into the next idea.
- Sentences begin in many different ways.
- Sentences vary throughout the piece of writing; some sentences are short and some are long.
- Grammar is used appropriately.
- Voice is just right for the audience and purpose.
- Writing is highly original.
- Writing shows strong confidence and personality.
- The feelings of the writer are strong and clear.
3 / 3 Words are carefully chosen so the message gets across.
- Most words are usedaccurately and precisely.
- Many descriptive words. (e.g., color words, wow, scary)
- Recognizes overused words and makes substitutions. (e.g., said/yelled)
- Images are created.
- The writing is generally smooth and readable.
- Most of the sentences begin in different ways and are different lengths.
- Simple, some compound (e.g., and, but) and complex sentences (e.g., because) are used.
- Grammar is used appropriately most of the time.
- Sense of voice is appropriate to the audience and purpose.
- Writing has a sense of originality.
- Writing shows personality.
- The feelings of the writer are evident.
2 / 2 Words convey the message with little imagination.
- Some words may bemisused.
- Words are ordinary.
- Some attempts to create images.
- In some places, it is hard to tell where one sentence stops and the next one begins.
- Most sentences start the same way.
- There are several run-on sentences or lots of short, choppy sentences.
- Grammar is used appropriately some of the time.
- Writing has limited sense of audience and purpose.
- Writing shows limited originality.
- Writing shows limited personality.
- The feelings of the writer somewhat evident.
1 / 1 Words are misused, unclear or overused.
- Words are often misused.
- The wording is vague and/or confusing.
- No image is created.
- The reader can’t tell one sentence from another.
- All the sentences are the same.
- Sentences are incomplete.
- Frequent grammatical errors interrupt the reading
- Does not seem to be writing to a particular audience or for a specific purpose.
- Lacksoriginality.
- Personality of the writer is not seen.
- The feelings of the writer are not evident.
Sumner School District (revised work of NWREL Macintosh HD:Desktop Folder:1st Grade Rubric Nov 2006 .doc
November 2006