Rubrics

=SOL WRITING RUBRIC =

**Composition Scale**

 * 4 points- The essay focuses on one main point from beginning to end. Helpful examples are included to support this idea. The essay is clearly organized and has an introduction and conclusion that don't repeat each other.
 * 3 points- The essay generally focuses on the main idea and uses details to support it, but may have occasional problems in organization or focus. Overall, the errors are not severe enough to make the essay difficult to read.
 * 2 points- The essay tries to focus on one idea, but often drifts away from this central point. Few details are used, or they don't relate to the main idea. Introduction, transitions, and conclusion are either absent or not clear.
 * 1 point- The essay has no central idea and little or no organization. Few if any supporting facts are used. Sentences are poorly organized and don't fit together to form coherent paragraphs.


 * Written Expression Scale**
 * 4 point- The essay uses language effectively throughout the essay. The author shows a good sense of wording, including the use of figurative language. The wording of the essay presents ideas clearly, and the essay flows evenly from sentence and paragraph to paragraph.
 * 3 points- Generally, the essay is well worded and presents ideas clearly. Some figurative language may be used. The wording is unclear or vague in isolated places, or a few sentences may not be well organized. Overall, however, the essay successfully communicates its meanings.
 * 2 points- Most of the language in the essay is bland and general. The writing lacks voice. Sentences tend to have a similar construction, making them repetitive and dull. The main idea may be communicated, but awkward constructions obscure the meaning.
 * 1 point- Both the words and information are vague, and the essay id hard to follow. The writer's voice is not evident. Sentences are worded awkwardly. The main idea is not communicated.

**Usage/Mechanics Scale**

 * 4 points- the writer follows the basic rules of punctuation, capitalization, usage, and sentence structure throughout the essay. A small number of minor errors may exist, but none are distracting or take away from the meaning of the essay. Spelling is correct on an eighth grade level.
 * 3 points- The writer shows a basic understanding of usage and mechanics. Although a number of errors may be present, the writer demonstrates general competence in punctuation, capitalization, usage, and sentence structure.
 * 2 points- The writer inconsistently applies the rules of grammar. The essay suggests that the writer may not have adequate command of the rules of usage and mechanics.
 * 1 point- The essay has many severe errors in usage and mechanics. The writing is difficult to understand because of the number of mistakes. The main idea of the essay is overshadowed by the many slips in usage and mechanics.