Paragraph Writing Rubric
 

Criteria

4

3

2

1


Main Idea
Topic Sentence

 Strong  main idea/ topic sentence is clear, and is restated in the closing sentence.

Adequate main idea/ topic sentence  is restated in the closing sentence.

Main Idea/ topic sentence is unclear, is weakly restated in the closing sentence.

Main Idea/ Topic sentence is unclear and is not restated in the closing sentence.

 
Supporting Details

Each paragraph has three or more supporting detail sentences that relate  to the main idea.

Each paragraph has two supporting detail sentences that relate to the main idea.

Each paragraph has one supporting detail sentence that relates to the main idea.

Each Paragraph has no supporting detail sentences that relate to the main idea.


Observes Basic Writing Conventions

Contains few, if any punctuation, capitalization, and spelling errors.

Contains several errors in punctuation, spelling or grammar that do not interfere with meaning.

Contains many errors in punctuation, spelling and/or grammar that  interferes with meaning.

Contains many errors in punctuation, spelling and/or grammar that  make the piece illegible.


Neatness

Legibly handwritten or typed with no distracting errors.

Legibly written, easy to read with 1-2 distracting errors.

Several distracting errors that make portions difficult to read.

Many distracting errors making it illegible.