PA Writing Rubric

(From the PDE Website)

FOCUS		The single controlling point made with an awareness of task (mode) about a specific topic
CONTENT		The presence of ideas developed through facts, examples, anecdotes, details, opinions, statistics, reasons, and/or explanations
ORGANIZATION		The order developed and sustained within and across paragraphs using transitional devices and including introduction and conclusion
STYLE		The choice, use and arrangement of words and sentence structure that create tone and voice
CONVENTIONS		Grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation
	FOCUS		CONTENT	ORGANIZATION	STYLE	CONVENTIONS
4	Sharp, distinct controlling point made about a single topic with evident awareness of task (mode)		Substantial, specific, and/or illustrative content demonstrating strong develop-ment and sophisticated ideas	Sophisticated arrangement of content with evident and/or subtle transitions	Precise, illustrative use of a variety of words and sen-tence structures to create consis-tent writer’s voice and tone appropriate to audience	Evident control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation
3	Apparent point made about a single topic with sufficient awareness of task (mode)		Sufficiently developed content with adequate elaboration or explanation	Functional arrangement of content that sus-tains a logical order with some evidence of transitions	Generic use of a variety of words and sentence structures that may or may not create writer’s voice and tone appropriate to audience	Sufficient control of grammar, mechanics, spelling, usage and sentence formation
2	No apparent point but evidence of a specific topic		Limited content with inadequate elaboration or explanation	Confused or inconsistent arrangement of content with or without attempts at transitions	Limited word choice and con-trol of sentence structures that inhibit voice and tone	Limited control of grammar, mechanics, spelling usage and sentence formation
1	Minimal evidence of a topic		Superficial and/or minimal content	Minimal control of content arrangement	Minimal variety in word choice and minimal control of sentence structures	Minimal control of grammar, mechanics, spelling usage and sentence formation