Topic

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Topic/Idea Development

Overall effect with relevant details.

Not on given topic.

Story on topic with minimal details.

Well developed topic with supporting details and without repetition.

          Organization
Focus, logically ordered, clarity in paragraphs

Little or no sequence in writing.

Story has two identifiable parts.

Story has beginning, middle and end.

              Details
Sentences support main idea, relevant details, examples develop the main points

No supporting details within a sentence.

At least one detail to support topic within a sentence.

Consistently expands ideas beyond a basic sentence without repetition.

        Language/Style
Correct language usage, uses a variety of vocabulary, uses a variety of sentence styles

Simple vocabulary.
Repetitive sentences.

Attempts to incorporate descriptives.
Uses some sentence variation.

Uses varied vocabulary to enhance subject matter.
Extends sentence structure.

Conventions

        Sentence Structure
Correct sentence form

Random words or letters.

Uses phrases.

Uses complete sentences.

       Grammar and Usage
Correct word usage, correct rules of English grammar

Incorrect word choice.

Begins to use subject/verb agreement.

Uses correct verb tense.

             Mechanics
#1  Spelling
#2  Capitalization
#3  Punctuation
#4  Spacing

#1  Random letters, no vowels.
#2  Never uses correct capitalization.
#3  Never uses correct punctuation.
#4  No spacing between words.

#1  Consistently uses vowels. Spells grade level words correctly sometimes.
#2  Sometimes uses correct capitalization.
#3  Sometimes uses correct punctuation.
#4  Inconsistent spacing.

#1  Spells grade level words correctly. Experiments with expanded vocabulary words with close approximations.
#2  Consistently uses correct capitalization.
#3  Consistently uses correct punctuation.
#4  Consistently uses correct spacing.