Rubric: Summer Reading Short Essay
Criteria
Ideas
Organization
Word Choice
5 Exceptional
Main idea is clear,
supported, and enriched
by relevant anecdotes &
details
Organization enhances
and showcases central
idea; order of info moves
reader through the text
with thoughtful
transitions and logical
and effective sequencing
Word choice conveys
intended message in
precise, interesting, and
natural way
Sentence
Fluency
Sentences have flow,
rhythm, and cadence;
reflect strong, varied
structure
Conventions
Standard writing
conventions are used
effectively with few
errors and needing only
minor editing; spelling
usually correct even with
more difficult words;
correct punctuation &
capitalization; correct
grammar contributes to
clarity & style
Circle appropriate raw/scaled score:
25/100%
24/98%
23/96%
22/94%
21/92%
20/90%
19/88%
18/86%
17/84%
Name:
4 Proficient
Main idea is supported by
detail but could benefit
from additional
information
Organization is smooth
with logical transitions
and sequencing.
3 Average
Main idea is present but
development is basic or
general – requires
additional textual support
Organization moves reader
through text without too
much confusion with
transitions workable
transitions and somewhat
logical sequencing
2 Basic
Main idea is present but is
broad or simplistic with
little textual support
1 Below Basic
No main idea or purpose
Organization is somewhat
problematic; some use of
transitions with formulaic
sequencing
Organization can’t be
identified; writing lacks
sense of direction;
transitions are confusing
or nonexistent; sequencing
doesn’t work
Word choice is precise
and appropriate
Word choice conveys
meaning but lack
sophistication
Word choice is adequate
but very basic; some
misuse of words/parts of
speech may affect
meaning
Sentences are technically
correct but not varied and
often stiff or choppy
Word choice is limited
and/or flawed; frequent
misuse of parts of speech
affect meaning
Spelling of simple words
is incorrect; inconsistent
punctuation &
capitalization;
inappropriate grammar;
errors affect meaning
Frequent spelling errors
with common words;
missing or incorrect
punctuation; capitalization
is random or missing;
noticeable errors in
grammar affect meaning ;
meaning may be
incomprehensible
A variety of sentence
types are structured
correctly and flow well
Sentence structure is
correct and varied but may
be stiff or choppy in some
places
Basic writing conventions Reasonable control over
are used and may have
standard conventions but
several mistakes but don’t occasionally errors distract
affect meaning; spelling
and affect meaning;
of grade level words is
spelling is usually correct
correct but sometimes
with grade level words but
incorrect with more
not on more difficult
difficult words; correct
words; punctuation and
punctuation and
capitalization are mostly
capitalization with few
correct; grammar is
grammar mistakes
inconsistent
16/82%
15/80%
14/78%
13/76%
12/74%
11/72%
10/70%
9/68%
8/66%
7/64%
6/62%
5/60%
Sentences are incorrectly
structured and are choppy,
rambling, and/or awkward