L.A Freedom writers

Mechanics

Frequent errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Errors in grammar and punctuation, but spelling has been proofread

Occasional grammatical errors and questionable word choice

Nearly error-free which reflects clear understanding and thorough proofreading

Content

·Topic/subject is unclear or confusing

· May fail to establish focus on topic/subject

·Organizational structure may not establish connection between and among ideas and/or events

·Topic/subject may be vague

· May lose or may exhibit major lapses in focus on topic/subject

·Organizational structure may establish little relationship between and among ideas and/or events

·Topic/subject is generally clear, though it may or may not be explicitly stated

· May exhibit minor lapses in focus on topic/subject

·Organizational structure establishes relationships between and among ideas and/or events, although minor lapses may be present

·Topic/subject is clear, though it may or may not be explicitly stated

· Maintains focus on topic/subject throughout the response

·Organizational structure establishes relationships between and among ideas and/or events

Organization
(Structure, Introduction, Conclusion)

• Effectively organized in logical and creative manner
• Creative and engaging intro and conclusion

• Organization is appropriate, but conventional
• Attempt at introduction and conclusion

• Attempts at organization; may be a “list” of events
• Beginning and ending not developed

• Lack of coherence; confusing
• No identifiable introduction or conclusion

Content
(Main Theme, Supporting details)

• Exceptionally clear, focused, engaging with relevant, strong supporting detail

• Evident main idea with some support which may be general or limited

• Main idea may be cloudy because supporting detail is too general or even off-topic

• Lacks central idea; development is minimal or non-existent

Voice
(Personality, Sense of Audience)

• Expressive, engaging, sincere
• Strong sense of audience
• Shows emotion: humour, honesty, suspense or life

• Evident commitment to topic
• Inconsistent or dull personality

• Voice may be inappropriate or non-existent
• Writing may seem mechanical

• Writing is lifeless
• No hint of the writer

Mechanics
(Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar)

• Exceptionally strong control of standard conventions of writing

• Control of most writing conventions; occasional errors with high risks

• Limited control of conventions; frequent errors do not interfere with understanding

• Numerous errors distract the reader and make the text difficult to read

Vocabulary
(Precise, Effective, Imagery)

• Precise, carefully chosen
• Strong, fresh, vivid images

• Language is functional and appropriate
• Descriptions may be overdone at times

• Words may be correct but mundane
• No attempt at deliberate choice

• Limited range of words
• Some vocabulary misused

Sentence Fluency
(Rhythm, Flow, Variety)

• High degree of craftsmanship
• Effective variation in sentence patterns

• Generally in control
• Lack variety in length and structure

• Some awkward constructions
• Many similar patterns and beginnings

• Difficult to follow or read aloud
• Disjointed, confusing, rambling