Hart’s English IV Grading Rubric for Written Composition
“Think Above and Beyond”
“A” for ABOVE composition – An “A” composition develops a clear central idea with originality and depth of thought and displays a consistent sense of audience. Its topic is interesting, challenging, focused, and developed by clear and logical supporting ideas. The writing demonstrates a clear command of style; the language is fresh, engaging, and often figurative. The organization is sound and readily apparent, but not overly strained (“first,” “second,” “third,” and the like). Each paragraph has a clearly evident central idea, which is well supported by thoughtfully chosen specific details and examples. Paragraphs are appropriately organized and smoothly linked to the precedent and following ones. Sentences are clearly constructed and demonstrate effective variety in length and pattern. Words are precise and accurate and convey a consistent, appropriate tone. The composition is free of common errors in grammar, punctuation, and mechanics; all words are spelled correctly.
“B” for BEYOND composition – A “B” composition has a clearly stated central idea but lacks originality of thought. It displays a good sense of audience but at times loses track of the intended readers. Its topic is interesting, focused, adequately and logically developed. The writing demonstrates marked competence and occasional stylistic flair, but lacks the command of style and language, which characterizes the “A” composition. Organization is correct and clear but a bit strained. Each paragraph has a central idea, appropriate organization, and competent development. Transitions between paragraphs are generally but not always smooth. Sentences display the same characteristics as those in “A” composition, with perhaps a little less variation in length and pattern. Word choice and tone are effective. The composition is essentially free of common errors in grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.
“C” composition – A “C” composition has a reasonably clear central idea and shows an adequate grasp of audience. Its focus is generally apparent but blurred in places. Its development is sketchy in spots. The writing demonstrates high school level proficiency but generally lacks the stylistic features of the “A” or “B” composition. Organization is satisfactory but a bit unclear in places. Most paragraphs have a central idea and some sense of organization, but development is vague at times and transitions between paragraphs often lack smoothness. Sentences are generally satisfactory but show little variation in length or pattern. Word choice is acceptable but not always precise, and the tone is somewhat inconsistent. Although the composition is generally free of serious errors, there are some mistakes in grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and/or spelling.
“D” composition – A “D” composition may state but does not adequately develop and sustain a clear central idea. The sense of audience is either inconsistent or totally lacking in places. The topic is not properly focused and suffers from weak development. No sense of style is evident, the language is uninspired, and the writing generally does not suggest high school-level proficiency. There is some sense of organization, but it frequently breaks down or is hard to follow. Not all paragraphs exhibit a central idea, and development is often vague and lacking in specifics. Transitions are frequently poor, sometimes lacking. Awkward sentences occur frequently, incorrect ones occasionally. Words are improperly used, and tone is inappropriate and inconsistent. Errors in grammar, punctuation, and mechanics occur with some frequency, as do spelling errors.
“F” composition – An “F” composition fails to state or develop any semblance of a central idea and has no notion of audience or topic. The writing is loose, imprecise, ambiguous, and characterized by many errors, most of which a high school student should not commit. No organization is evident. The composition exhibits no paragraphing or consistent improper paragraphing. Writing is awkward, and especially, incorrect sentences predominate. Words are consistently misused. Many errors in grammar, punctuation, and mechanics occur throughout the composition. Spelling errors abound.