Opening sentence

The sentence is incomplete and does not state the main idea.

The sentence is complete, but does not state the main idea.

The sentence is complete and adequately states the main idea.

The sentence is complete and clearly states the main idea.

Supporting sentences

Some sentences are incomplete or run-on and do not support the main idea.

Some sentences are incomplete or run-on, but support the main idea.

Most sentences are complete and support the main idea.

All sentences are complete and support the main idea.

Closing sentence

The sentence is incomplete and does not sum up
the paragraph.

The sentence is complete, but does not sum up the paragraph.

The sentence is complete and adequately sums up the paragraph.

The sentence is complete and clearly sums up the paragraph.

Organization of ideas

Ideas in the paragraph are disorganized and do not support the main idea, causing
a confusion of meaning.

A few ideas in the paragraph do not support the main idea or are out of place, causing a confusion of meaning.

Ideas in the paragraph support the main idea, but could be organized more clearly.

Ideas flow in the paragraph and clearly support the main idea, creating meaning.

Vocabulary or word use

Some inappropriate vocabulary is used and some words are used in the wrong context.

Some words are used in the wrong context.

All words are used appropriately.

All words are used appropriately and there is evidence
of attention to word choice.

Spelling, capitalization,
and punctuation

There are many errors in spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.

There are some errors in spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.

There are only a few errors in spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.

There are no errors in spelling, capitalization, or punctuation.