writing rubric

Social Studies Writing Rubric

Organization

fluency/flow of ideas/logical progression

thesis or position/topic sentences/controlling statement

introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion/includes reflection

no digressions/stay focused/relevant

addresses audience when appropriate

A RANGE

·  Clear, focused position or thesis

·  Use of clear topic sentences or 1 main idea per paragraph

·  Use of well developed transitions to sustain organization throughout the response

·  Clear distinction and logical progression between introduction, body paragraphs and reflective conclusion

B RANGE

·  position or thesis is well stated

·  most paragraphs contain topic sentences or one main idea

·  transitions are generally well developed and sustain organization throughout the response.

·  digressions are few and do not detract from the overall thesis

·  logical progression from introduction to conclusion

C RANGE

·  position or thesis is attempted

·  most paragraphs attempt a topic sentence and a main idea, but are not always consistent

·  some transitions evident, but may interfere with meaning

D RANGE

·  position or thesis is not readily evident

·  the response contains few digressions and shifts that may interfere with the overall meaning

·  lack of fluidity adversly impacts the paper

FAILING

·  no position evident, thesis unclear

·  The response lacks focus and a controlling idea: little or no organization is present and frequent digressions and/or abrupt shifts in the response interfere with meaning.

·  Lack of logical progression from introduction to conclusion which demonstrates little or no reflection

Content

use of evidence from primary & secondary sources

proper citation

develop & apply relevance of evidence

at least 3 main supporting points/arguments

acknowledges opposing view points; state it, refute it

A RANGE

·  proper format and proper citation of sources

·  effective, appropriate use of evidence from primary & secondary sources

·  3 or more supportive ideas are effectively defended in body paragraphs

·  recognizes and refutes opposing view points to strengthen own position

·  quotes sources accurately in defense of thesis

B RANGE

·  correct format and adequate citation of sources

·  position is well supported, typically using information from appropriate sources

·  supporting ideas are evident and defended in body paragraphs

·  opposing viewpoints are acknowledged

·  quotes sources accurately in defense of thesis

C RANGE

·  correct format but inconsistent citation of sources

·  position is adequately supported, generally using information from appropriate sources

·  some supporting ideas are evident

·  vague reference to opposing viewpoints

·  quotes sources, but not always accurately

D RANGE

·  frequent errors in format and citation

·  little support from source materials or support provided is copied verbatim

·  few supporting ideas are evident

·  seldom or inaccurate use of quotes to defend thesis

FAILING

·  no citation of sources

·  no support from source materials or support provided is copied verbatim

·  no use of quotations to defend thesis

·  writing demonstrates that there is a serious misunderstanding of content

Mechanics

no spelling errors

no run-ons

no fragments

proper punctuation & capitalization

typed, 250 words per page = 12 point size & 1” margins all around, DS

black ink

formal heading:  student name, date turned in, class period, teacher name, title of assignment

A RANGE

·  little or no spelling, sentence structure or punctuation errors

·  strong evidence of proofreading (1-2 errors)

·  presentation format is followed explicitly

B RANGE

·  few spelling, sentence structure or punctuation errors

·  evidence of proofreading enhances paper (2-4 errors)

·  presentation format is followed

C RANGE

·  spelling, sentence structure and puncuation errors detract from overall presentation

·  proofreading attempted (4-6 errors)

·  presentation format is inconsistent

D RANGE

·  frequent spelling, sentence structure or punctuation errors

·  little to no evidence of proof reading (5-8 errors)

·  little or no adherence to format guidelines

FAILING

·  major spelling, sentence structure or puncuation errors

·  not attempt to proofread (8 + errors)

·  format guidelines not followed