Paragraph Rubric

Excellent

E

Explanations are thorough and comprehensive revealing a perceptive understanding. Support is specific and accurate and errors, if present, do not detract from the response.

The writing is fluent and effectively organized. Vocabulary is precise and effective. The writing demonstrates confident control of sentence construction, grammar, and mechanics. The occurrence of error is rare.

Proficient

Pf

Explanations are appropriate and purposeful revealing a clear understanding. Support is relevant and appropriate, but it might contain some minor errors.

The writing is clearly organized. Vocabulary is accurate and appropriate. The writing demonstrates effective control of sentence construction, grammar, and mechanics frequently. The occurrence of error is infrequent.

Satisfactory

S

Explanations are general and straightforward revealing an acceptable understanding. Support is relevant but general, might be incompletely developed, and/or contains errors.

The writing generally clear and functionally organized. Vocabulary is generally accurate, but not specific. The writing demonstrates basic control of sentence construction, grammar, and mechanics. Errors do not interfere seriously with communication.

Limited

L

Explanations are overgeneralized and/or redundant revealing a confused though discernable understanding. Support is superficial, might not always be relevant, and might contain significant errors.

The writing is uneven and incomplete but it is discernibly organized. Vocabulary is imprecise and/or inappropriate. The writing demonstrates faltering control of sentence construction, grammar, and mechanics. Errors hinder communication.  

Poor

P

Explanations are tangential or minimal revealing a negligible understanding. Support, if present, is incomplete, might be marginally relevant, and contains significant and/or frequent errors.

The writing is unclear and disorganized. Vocabulary is ineffective and frequently incorrect. A lack of control of sentence construction, grammar, and mechanics is demonstrated. Errors impede communication.