Tone The appropriate tone is used consistently. The tone shifts occasionally from formal to informal, or vice versa. The tone shifts from formal to informal and is not consistent. The tone is inappropriate for the writing purpose.
Topic sentence The sentence is complete and clearly states the main idea. The sentence is complete and adequately states the main idea. The sentence is complete, but does not state the main idea. The sentence is incomplete and does not state the main idea.
Supporting sentences All sentences are complete and support the main idea. Most sentences are complete and support the main idea. Some sentences are incomplete or run-on, but support the main idea. Some sentences are incomplete or run-on and do not support the main idea.
Organization of ideas Ideas flow in the paragraph and clearly support the main idea, creating meaning. Ideas in the paragraph support the main idea, but could be organized more clearly. A few ideas in the paragraph do not support the main idea or are out of place, causing a confusion of meaning. Ideas in the paragraph are disorganized and do not support the main idea, causing
a confusion of meaning.
Transitions
A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how ideas are connected.
Transitions show how ideas are connected, but there is little variety.
Some transitions work well, but some connections between ideas are fuzzy.
The transitions between ideas are unclear or nonexistent.
Grammar &
Spelling
Author makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distracts the reader from the content.
Author makes 3-5 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Author makes 5-6 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.
Author makes more than 7 errors in grammar or spelling that distracts the reader from the content.
Capitalization & Punctuation
Author makes 1-2 errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the essay is exceptionally easy to read.
Author makes 3-5 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the essay is still easy to read.
Author makes 5-6 errors in capitalization or punctuation that catch the reader’s attention and interrupt the flow.
Author makes more than 7 errors in capitalization or punctuation that catch the reader’s attention and interrupt the flow.
Sources & Citations
All of the sources used for quotes, statistics and facts are credible and cited correctly.
Most of the sources used for quotes, statistics and facts are credible and cited correctly.
Some of the sources used for quotes, statistics and facts are credible and cited correctly.
Almost all of the sources are not credible and/or are not cited correctly.