Rubrics are used to help outline what is expected and how students' work will be graded. The following
rubrics are provided in the ELA Curriculum Guide and will be used to correct students work throughout
the year.
Often, when students are asked to write something in class, a holistic scoring rubric will be used and a
mark will be given out of 5 or 10.
Appendix E1: Holistic Scoring Rubric (demand writing)
Level
5 • outstanding content which is clear, strongly focussed, and interesting compelling and seamless
organization easy flow and rhythm with strong and varied construction compelling, individualistic and
sincere voice
4 • rich and precise words and expressions excellent grasp of standard writing conventions
impressive content which is clear, focussed, and interesting purposeful and clear organization flow and
rhythm which, if occasionally interrupted, does not impede meaning; varied sentences clear and sincere,
though not with a compelling voice specific and purposeful words and expressions good grasp of
standard writing conventions
3 • clear and focussed content which is not generally appealing occasionally ineffective organization
which does not seriously affect the central idea a somewhat mechanical flow and rhythm a somewhat
clear and sincere voice which does not demonstrate a compelling interest in the topic general and
functional words and expressions fair grasp of standard writing conventions although errors are
beginning to be distracting
2 •unclear content which does not maintain reader’s interest but which does have a discernible focus
weak and inconsistent organization lack of flow and rhythm and often unsuccessful attempts at complex
sentence structures lack of a personable voice as well as a superficial interest in the topic
imprecise and in clear words and expressions which frequently obscure meaning frequent errors in
standard writing conventions which distract the reader
1 • lacking a central idea or purpose awkward and disjointed organization complete lack of flow and
rhythm and awkward, incomplete sentences which make the writing difficult to follow dispassionate and
mechanical voice imprecise, unclear, and frequently misused words and expressions severe and
frequent errors in standard writing conventions which block readability and seriously impede meaning