Writing Rubric

Proficiency Category

4 Exceeds Expectations

3 Meets Expectations

2 Approached Expectations

1 Does not meet expectation

Content / Information

Purpose

Writing exemplifies the assignment purpose. Content is fully developed and explored beyond expectations

Writing meets the assignment purpose, and content is accurate and thoroughly explored

Writing does not entirely meet the assignment purpose and/or content is not fully explored.

Writing does not meet assignment purpose and/or content is rudimentarily explored.

Organization & structure

Writing organization heightens text clarity. All paragraphs are cohesive. Transitions exhibit variety and clearly signpost shifts.

Writing has clear organization. Paragraphs mostly cohesive. Easily followed transitions.

Writing is mostly organized but has some disorganized paragraphs or sections. May be lacking transitions in places.

Writing is mostly disorganized and difficult to follow.  Some good transitions, but they are mostly lacking.

Development/ Support

Idea and paragraph development exceed expectations. Arguments are supported in multiple ways with scholarly sources.

Ideas and paragraphs are well-developed and supported with evidence.

Ideas and/or paragraphs are a bit underdeveloped or lack support or evidence in palaces

Ideas and/or paragraphs are underdeveloped and lack support.

Syntax/

Sources &

formatting

Wide variety of sentence types and identifiable writing style. Scholarly sources cited in APA. Formatting is perfect or near-perfect.

Sentence construction is accurate. All sources are documented correctly in APA. Formatting is appropriate.

Sentences may be basic.  Some sources not cited/cited incorrectly. Some formatting issues.

Some sentences unclear/unconnected. Sources not cited. Confusing formatting choices.

Vocabulary, grammar and mechanics

Industry standard vocabulary/language. No errors in grammar and mechanics.

Uses appropriate vocabulary specific to the subject area.  Language conveys meaning.  Few errors. 

Some inaccurate vocabulary or language errors. Some grammar/mechanics errors

Basic vocabulary. Many errors with grammar and mechanics.