Writing Rubric
Grading Abstracts for A, B, C, and D Papers
Characteristics of A papers
Content
*The material challenges the intelligence and sophistication of a college-level
audience.
*A single focus is emphasized through the entire paper.
*The writer appeals effectively to the intended audience.
*The focus is consistently developed with significant and interesting details,
examples and discussion.
*Relevant outside sources are clearly introduced and integrated into the surrounding
discussion.
Organization
*The focus of the paper is clearly emphasized.
*The overall pattern is artfully conceived.
*The focus is developed through a sequence of related paragraphs.
*Paragraphs are purposefully organized and substantially developed with supporting
evidence or detailed *examples.
*The opening is inviting, challenging and appropriate.
*Transitions between and within paragraphs are explicit, clear, and purposeful.
Style
*Sentence structure varies according to the content, purpose and audience.
*The sentences are clear, logical, and enjoyable to read.
*Word choice is precise, interesting, and appropriate to the writing task.
*The language is mature and idiomatic.
*The writer's tone complements the paper's purpose and suits the audience.
Mechanics
*Format is appropriate.
*References to outside sources are cited and documented according to the appropriate
style sheet.
*Problems in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or usage do not interfere with
communication.
Characteristics of B papers
Content
*The material is thoughtful and engaging.
*'A single focus runs through the entire paper.
*The writer clearly acknowledges the expectations of the audience.
*The focus is developed with appropriate details, examples, and discussion.
*Outside sources are used clearly and purposefully.
Organization
*The focus is clearly identifiable.
*The overall pattern is clear and sensible.
*The focus is developed through a sequence of related paragraphs.
*Paragraphs are clearly organized, but some may lack richness of detail or
evidence.
*The opening is appropriate to the focus.
*Transitions between and within paragraphs advance the writer's ideas.
Style
*Sentences are varied in structure, only occasionally choppy or repetitive.
*Sentences are generally clear, logical, and readable.
*Writer demonstrates general control over vocabulary appropriate to the writing
task.
*The language is idiomatic.
*The tone is consistent and appropriate to the writer's purpose and audience.
Mechanics
*Format is appropriate.
*References to outside sources are generally cited and documented according
to the appropriate style sheet.
*Problems in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or usage rarely interfere with
communication.
Characteristics of C Papers
Content
*The material is reasonable, but may not fully engage the abilities of the
audience.
*A single focus runs through the paper, although parts may wander from the
central idea.
*The writer appears to present ideas and description with an audience in mind.
*The focus is generally developed with details, examples, and discussions.
*Outside sources are generally relevant, although not always clearly introduced
or integrated into the *discussion.
Organization
*The paper has an identifiable focus.
*The writer establishes an overall pattern for the paper to follow.
*The focus is generally developed throughout the paper although some paragraphs
may appear out of *sequence or slightly off track.
*Paragraphs tend to lack richness of evidence or detailed examples.
*The opening generally matches the topic and focus.
*Transitions are evident, but may be abrupt or mechanical.
Style
*Sentences tend to be basic, choppy, or structurally repetitive.
*Sentences are generally readable, but ideas may be hard to follow from one
part of the paper to the next.
*Although most words appear to be well-chosen, some may not be as precise
or apt as they could be.
*Occasional lapses from standard idiom occur.
*The tone, though generally consistent, at times appears inappropriate to
the writer's purpose and audience.
Mechanics
*Format is generally appropriate.
*References to outside sources are generally cited and documented, but not
always in the appropriate style.
*Problems in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or usage occasionally interfere
with communication and damage the writer's credibility.
Characteristics of D Papers
Content
*The material does not fully engage the abilities of the audience.
*No single focus runs through the entire paper.
*The writer doesn't appear to have the needs of an audience in mind.
*Ideas are stated, but not developed with details, examples, and discussions.
*Outside sources, if used at all, are not clearly introduced or integrated.
Organization
*The paper's focus is overly general, missing, or unclear.
*The writer hasn't established a clear pattern for the paper to follow.
*Attempt at development is evident but unsuccessful; paragraphs frequently
seem unrelated or repetitive.
*Paragraphs are poorly constructed and contain little supporting detail.
*The opening is overly general, missing, or misleading.
*Transitions are weak, ineffective, or missing.
Style
*Sentences are frequently basic, choppy, or repetitive.
*Sentence problems impede effective communication.
*The reader must reread many sentences in order to comprehend them.
*The writer displays inadequate control of diction; word-choice problems are
frequent.
*There are many problems with standard idiom.
*The tone frequently appears inappropriate to the writer's purpose and audience.
Mechanics
*Format is not always appropriate.
*References to outside sources are not clearly cited; documentation style
is generally inappropriate.
*Many errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and usage imped communication
and undercut the writer's credibility.