The rubric assesses student writing across four categories: content, organization, style, and conventions of writing. For a score of 4, the highest level, writing includes many topic-relevant details, a clear beginning-middle-end structure with transitions, unique word choice and varied sentences, a consistent focus on the intended audience and topic, and polished writing mechanics. A score of 3 reflects sufficient details, an organized structure, developing style, an audience focus most of the time, and grade-level writing conventions. A score of 2 has few topic sentences, a beginning-middle-end structure, inconsistent style, sometimes focusing on the audience and topic, and correct spelling of common words. A score

1. Third Grade Writing Assessment Rubric
Content Conventions of
Organization Style Focus
writing
4 Many specific Organization Word choice is Consistently Writing is very
details that includes all tools unique, great showing who polished. The
are on topic. needed: a variety of you are writing use of
beginning, sentences, also to. Your topic is conventional
middle, and end, your own voice clear and spelling for most
transition words, shows in your concise. words is used.
also have a good writing. Punctuation and
lead and hook. capitalization is
Has a direct used correctly.
topic sentence Grammar is
with a strong correct as far as
conclusion. spacing, spelling
language, and
letter and
sentence
formation.
3 Enough of the The beginning, Often your word Often show who Current grade
details middle and end choice is unique, you are writing level words are
support the are in your sentence variety to. Narrow the spelled correctly.
topic. assignment. is displayed. topic and write The use of
Transition words to the prompt. correct
are there and a punctuation,
conclusion. capitalization is
used correctly.
Spacing,
grammar,
spelling, letter
and sentence
formation are
used correctly.
2 Very few The story has a Sometimes the Sometimes show The spelling of
sentences clear beginning, words are who you are second grade
have details middle, and end. unique; the writing to. words is correct.
that support sentence variety Trying to narrow Limited control
the topic that you use is the topic while of spacing,
not consistent. also writing to mechanics,
the topic. grammar, and
spelling.

2. 1 Little or no There is not a There is little or Not clear who There is little or
details that beginning, no evidence of you are writing no control of
support the middle, and end unique words to. Little or no spacing,
topic you are in your story. being used. evidence of the grammar,
writing on. Your writing is topic you are spelling, and
not in order. writing on. sentence
Different ideas formation.
that do not
support the
topic.