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Writing Exam Rubric

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  5. Writing Exam Rubric 2018

Writing Exam Rubric 2018 

Content/Ideas: 8 Points

Advanced/7-8: The writing is focused, well developed, fulfills word number and is enhanced by details.

  • Catchy and relevant title

  • The thesis is a clear and concise opinion statement

  • The thesis is strongly supported by well-chosen and integrated concrete details with commentary (the so what?)

  • Ideas are engaging or sophisticated. They reflect original thinking and/or thoughtful analysis

 

Acceptable/5-6: The writing may be focused, but it is only partially developed and may lack the necessary details.

  • Relevant title

  • The thesis is present; however, it may be too broad or too specific, or it is merely implied rather than directly stated

  • The thesis is supported by concrete details with commentary, but it either may be too general or insufficient in number

  • Ideas are unoriginal and unimaginative

 

Unacceptable/1-4: The writing lacks focus, is incompletely developed and has few details.

  • The thesis is not a clear opinion statement or is not evident

  • Support for the thesis is minimal or non-evident; concrete details are lacking, unclear or unrelated to the topic sentence (and/or thesis)

  • There may be no commentary to explain the details and make connections to the thesis

  • Ideas are unoriginal, uninspired, ordinary or unimaginative

 

Vocabulary: 10 Points 

Advanced/8-10: The language is rich, natural and idiomatic.

  • Words are specific, precise and appropriate. Show evidence of sophisticated words and idiomatic expressions
     

Acceptable/5-7: The language is functional and the message is conveyed.

  • Words are generally correct and appropriate, but may be ordinary or with occasional errors in words
  • Use of “generic” vocabulary with a lack of abstract or specialized vocabulary and idiomatic expressions


Unacceptable/1-4: The language is awkward and unclear.

  • Words are limited and the meaning is obscured
  • The writer uses a limited vocabulary 

 

Structure: (spelling, grammar, sentence structure): 10 Points 

Advanced/8-10: The writer correctly utilizes a wide range of grammatical structures. Some minor errors in grammar or spelling may exist, but they do not detract from the overall quality of the essay.

  • Use of complex and simple constructions *few non-pattern errors* shows appropriate use of Arabic constructions

 

Acceptable/5-7: The writer shows reasonable control over structures; however, a variety of errors or frequent errors in grammar and spelling detract from the quality and readability of the essay.

  • Effective but simple constructions *frequent errors of agreement, tense, number, word order and articles but without distorting meaning* frequent spelling mistakes* occasional reliance on translation from English

 

Unacceptable/1-4: The writer demonstrates limited control of standard writing conventions. Errors are serious and excessive and interfere with the readability of the essay.

  • Major problems in agreement *heavy influence of English constructions

 

Organization, Sentence Fluency, and Connectivity: 8 Points

Advanced 7-8: The order and structure move the reader through the text easily.

  • An interesting introduction draws the reader into the paper, and a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of resolution
  • Smooth, effective transitions exist among all elements (sentences, paragraphs and ideas)
  • Organizational patterns are logical and sequential
  • Paragraphing is natural and appropriate. The essay flows smoothly from one idea to the next
  • The sentences are rhythmic and graceful
  • Excellent command of a variety of connectives (including sophisticated connectives) to enhance arguments

 

Acceptable/4-6: Organization supports the central idea (thesis). However, the order and structure do not readily move the reader through the text.

  • The introduction and conclusion are present
  • Transitions are present but are inappropriate
  • Paragraphing is not consistently natural and appropriate
  • The sentence rhythm is attempted but inconsistent
  • Fair to good use of connectors

 

Unacceptable/1-3: The lack of order and structure detract from the reader¹s understanding.

  • The introduction and conclusion are not present
  • Transitions are nonexistent
  • Organizational patterns are haphazard and disjointed. Paragraphing is not utilized or is misapplied
  • Ideas are loosely connected
  • Lack of use of connectors