English Department
Writing Guide
HDHS Writing Rubric - All Departments
This rubric was developed for use by all departments for the evaluation of writing across the curriculum. Use this as a guide to help develop your own writing.
|
*Maine State Learning Results |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thesis *(G9) |
contains a focused or insightful or original thesis or statement of purpose |
contains a focused thesis or statement of purpose |
contains a thesis or statement of purpose |
lacks a thesis or statement of purpose |
no discernible thesis |
|
Audience *(G4) |
excellent awareness of intended audience |
demonstrates good awareness of audience |
demonstrates some awareness of audience |
demonstrates little awareness of audience |
demonstrates no awareness of audience |
|
Support *(G2, 9, 10) |
includes appropriate details and sufficient examples supporting thesis or statement of purpose |
includes supportive details and examples to develop thesis and statement of purpose |
includes some details and examples but does not necessarily support thesis or statement of purpose |
includes few, if any, appropriate examples and details |
contains no details or examples |
|
Voice *(G3,8,10) |
demonstrates a mastery of language, voice and style appropriate for level |
shows effective use of language, style and voice |
shows basic use of language, style and voice |
shows a rudimentary use of language, style and voice |
shows no awareness of language, style or voice |
|
Originality *(G5, 7, 11) |
contains excellent original thinking, ideas, and insight relevant to the thesis or purpose drawn primarily from outside sources or experiences |
contains good insights and ideas relevant to the thesis or purpose drawn primarily from outside sources or experiences |
contains some ideas that are relevant to thesis or statement of purpose |
contains few ideas that are relevant to thesis or statement of purpose |
contains no ideas that are relevant to thesis or statement of purpose |
|
Fluency *(G3, 6) |
demonstrates sentence fluency. Paper is easy to read aloud and contains effective transitions and paragraphing |
demonstrates acceptable sentence fluency. Paragraphs are unified and the transitions between ideas are obvious |
shows some fluency. Some paragraphs are unified and there are some logical connections between ideas. Awkward to read aloud. |
shows little sentence fluency. May show some connection between paragraphs |
shows no sentence fluency. Shows no connection between paragraphs |
|
Revision/Editing *(E2, F1) |
shows evidence of careful revision and editing. Follows rules of correct grammar, spelling, and uses sophisticated punctuation. |
shows evidence of thoughtful revision and editing. Contains few grammatical and spelling errors |
shows evidence of revision but editing and proofreading are careless. Contains several grammar and spelling errors |
shows some evidence of revision, editing or proofreading. Many errors in grammar and spelling |
shows no evidence of revision, editing or proofreading. Many errors in grammar and spelling |
|
Criteria |
shows an excellent understanding of the assignment |
shows a good understanding of the assignment |
shows some understanding of the assignment |
shows a basic understanding of the assignment |
shows no understanding of the assignment |
This document is aligned with the Maine Learning Results.
Rubric Glossary
Thesis: It is the main concept or idea contained in a piece. Often it is contained in a single line, but it may also be found somewhere near the beginning of the piece.
Audience: Who is this piece aimed at - young readers, women, or college bound students. Often the language is aimed at a more universal audience.
Support: What evidence do you see that the author has used specific details, facts, or examples as a foundation to his/her thesis?
Voice: Can you see or hear the author of this piece? The language should at some level demonstrate the author's style or personality.
Originality: Has the author taken a unique or personalized approach to the piece? Does the language indicate that the author has taken any time to develop an individualistic perspective?
Fluency: Does the language and thus the ideas move along uninterrupted? Are you clear as to the direction and meaning of the writing?
Revision/Editing: What kind of indications do you have that care and time were taken in regard to spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and general mechanics?
Criteria: How well does the author understand the assignment? If you instructed students to answer in essay form and all answers are in one word responses then the author's understanding didn't exist.
The following paper is an example of an EXCELLENT paper:
My mind, as well as countless photo albums, and journals are filled with memories of friends, family, and special events. Most of my memories though, are of recent events, which make the events from my early childhood that much more special. The strongest of these, a trip to the Finch's Fabric Farm in my former hometown of Fly Creek, New York, remains the most powerful to me.
My family lived in New York until I was five. As a toddler, everything fascinated me; even a plastic bucket could serve as a sufficient babysitter. Nothing, however, held my attention longer than the barrels of buttons at Finch's Fabric Farm. While my mother shopped for supplies for her craft business, I sat at the barrels picking up buttons and letting them fall through my fingers. I remember every detail about them. When they fell back into the barrel, the noise was that of a downpour, that, by the movement of my hands I could turn into a gentle rain or a thunderstorm. In each barrel were more colors than in any rainbow I'd seen, and thousands of shapes and sizes. I would pull out a handful, choose my favorite, and then search through the buckets until I found others like it. I stopped only when there were no more light green, square, two-holed buttons, or when there were so many that I was surrounded. Other times I would just close my eyes and plunge my hands into the sea of buttons, feeling the shape of each and noticing the way each felt cool and smooth on my skin. My mother still has boxes of buttons, and every once in a while, I catch myself touching them, listening to them, and even smelling them in the hopes of the same happiness and peace of mind they had always given helped me achieve.
The buttons weren't the only highlight of the trip, though that made it enjoyable. For one, it was quality time spent with my mom, as her chief advisor of purchasers. Also the store itself was relaxed; small-carpeted rooms with bolts of fabric and quilts lining the walls made the atmosphere an aesthetically pleasing one. Most importantly though, I was never treated like a toddler. Though they knew it was unlikely I'd be charging any thread or bolts of fabric to my account, the store owners were friendly and offered me as much service as they did my mother.
There is much more to the reasons why the buckets of buttons remain a prominent memory in my mind; they remind me of Fly Creek. Now that I think about it, Finch's could easily be the symbol of that town. The people are friendly, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needs it. Though the people in Fly Creek work, it remains a very relaxed atmosphere with neighborhood barbecues and walks to the cider mill. There are no Wal-Marts to be seen, and yet people survive very well with that they do have. So, simple pleasures like buttons or being treated like an adult are common. Just like Finch's, Fly Creek is small and low tech, but full of friendly, dedicated people and incredible treasures.
Overall, it is clear why the trips to Finch's with my mother were so powerful. I was little and so fascinated by almost anything, especially what my parents were interested in. Just being with my mother made it 'n enjoyable experience, though the atmosphere helped too. Last, Finch's reminds me of Fly Creek, and the great times my family had there. Though this memory may not be so exciting as a siblings birth or a trip abroad, it is the time that means the most to me. It shows and reminds me that wherever one is, the people and experiences needed for peace and happiness can be found.
The following paper is an example of a GOOD paper:
A very complex memory that I have is of my exchange trip to Japan this past summer. We, meaning Hall-Dale High School, have a sister state exchange with Amori Prefecture and this year it was our turn to travel. After having the experience of hosting three students from Japan during the previous summer and fall, I knew that this trip would be exciting and fulfilling. I finally felt that the four years I had spent learning Japanese would be put to use, not completely wasting my time. I was not, however, prepared for the way it would change my life.
The greatest way the memory of my trip has changed my life, is that it has helped me to decide how I want to spend the rest of my life. It taught me that I want to continue learning Japanese after high school and use it in my career. After spending two weeks not knowing the language as well as I would liked, I realized I had a desire for more knowledge. Every time I have doubts my life and where I want to go, I remember the trip and the doubts disappear.
Anyone who has ever traveled abroad, knows what it is like to be submerged in a different culture. My group and I, through staying with host families, were completely submerged into Japanese culture. I experienced Japanese life first hand. This included school, family life, and recreation. I learned so much about Japanese culture, the best part was that I was being taught by Japanese people. A lot of busy people took time out of their lives to help me to better understand their way of life. This sacrifice means a lot to me, I will forever be in debt to them. The knowledge I gained of Japan through my trip is more meaningful then anything I will ever learn about Japan in a classroom.
The connection that I had with all the people I met during the trip is the biggest reason the memory is so powerful. Everyone I met was interested in me and my culture, they wanted to be friends. It did not matter to us that we were not from the same country or that we did not even speak the same language. The bond that my host family and I made is so strong that I do not think anything will ever break it. My host mother still asks me to come back, saying that I could stay with them anytime. I also made friends that I will have for the rest of my life. My host sister, Mio and her friend Emiko are two people that I will never forget. In the short time we were able to spend with each other we formed an everlasting bond.
All the experiences described, along with many more, are what make my memory of the Japan trip so powerful. Knowing that I touched the lives of people, making life long friends is something I will never forget. I also know that in the future when I am working hard, I will remember the pivotal moment in my life when I decided what I wanted to do. As I stood with tears running down my cheeks when we were leaving, I knew that I had just created a memory that would never be lost. Three months later the memory is still fresh in my mind and as powerful as ever.
The following paper is an example of an AVERAGE paper:
A memory is like an unwashed sweater, it never fades. It stays with you as long as you want it to. The most powerful memory I have is meeting my best friend in Florida because it gave me a long lasting friendship, good times, & it made me realize that goodbye isn't forever.
First it gave me a long lasting friendship. When I met Cameron, how was I to know that this was the start of something that will never die. Something that could never be taken away. After the years, I had gotten a lot out of this friendship. For example, I got trust. He could tell me anything and know I wouldn't go tell the first person I saw. He could trust me with anything in the world and that was special. Also it has given honesty. We were honest with anything and everything their was. If I said something that offended hium, he would tell me that it did. This was important because we can be honest like that knowing nobody would get mad. Also, it has given me love. In good times & bad, he was there to support me or just be there to be there. He has been there & always will be, like the time one of my forgotten girlfriends broke up with me. He was there even though it was stupid. This is why this memory is powerful.
Second weve had a lot of good times. Ever since we became friends, its been non stop action. One thing we did was go to a lot of shows. Every week we at least went to on show either to see the band or just good around. being there gave us a chance to just let all of our hyperness bleed out. Another thing we did that was memorable was go to busch Gardens. Busch Gardens in a theme park in Florida. I can see it now, two kids running around like a chicken with their head cut off. We had so much fun & didn't want to leave. I can remember getting kicked off of the pirate ship for spiting across at each other. That was how stupid we got. Also the good times came from just hanging out at the house. We would watch movies, go swimming, listen to music, play music, or just be coach potatoes with no life. This is also why this memory is powerful.
Last but not least, this memory made me realize that goodbye is not forever. The last night I got to see Cameron was the hardest thing I've had to do. I couldn't believe I was leaving my best friend and it broke me inside, but this made me realize that goodbye isn't forever. For example, he came up this summer for a week. I hadn't seen him for so long so it was great. I can go down this summer so it is not like I'll never see him again. Also we can call each other. Even though I can't see him, it's nice to hear him once in a while. Also, writing & being written to is a way of communicating. There's nothing better than getting a letter and being able to write back. This is also why this memory is powerful
Memories once gained can never be taken away. Even if they are faint, they are still there.
The following paper is an example of a BELOW AVERAGE paper:
Memories are very powerful emotions that can trigger at anytime that make us reflect on the times we cherish the most. Memories are healthy to have if they are positive memories. Pearsonaly my most positive memories are my childhood.
Each day as I get older and accept more challenges and reaspoisibility I begin to miss being that dreamy three year old I used to be thirteen years ago. When I was younger I couldn't wait to get older and every body used to say oh well whern you get older you'll be wiser then you were younger.î Well its true but thirteen years ago I didn't know why but today I do life gets tough and full of responsibility each day.
When the going gets tough I reflect to my childhood days being high on life and care free. but when I snap out of it I'm back to being that 16 year old with no free time to be care free. Memories have a way of playing with our emotions. Memories cant bring back people or make us any younger but they help us remember the good time making a memory is like being a humen camera takeing snap shots that bring back the good old days.
When I sit back and think about my childhood days I come to realize that those are our most valuable times in our lives they make up who we are today. Some people might disagree because probally all they can remember from their child hood is the little things like going to story land or playing with their favorit toy, but by the way we acted where we lived how we got raised turns on us today and makes us as an individual. For some people rememboring their childhood may only bring back bad memories.
The conclusion to this is that my childhood as made who I am today and the memories I took snap shots of thirteen years ago have created a photalbeme in the back of my mind and help me create the memories that are powerful and special to me today.
The following paper is an example of an UNACCEPTABLE paper:
When I was 12 years old my mom & dad said to Bill and I that we are going to florida for 3 weeks. I was so happy. We got up the next day at 4:00 in the morning and we went to my granpapa house and meat the and we started to drive down we stoppd in maraland and stayed the night. The next morning we went as far as north caiolina. We stoped in the South of the boarerí spent the night in georgia the we finally made it to florida.
When we chiched in we all went swimming, then we all went out to eatAt a fast food reastront it was called macdonals. The next day we all went to sea worldand saw shamo that was fan we sat down so we could cool off with his waves we got home around 12:00 midnight and then we got up the next norning and went to Disalnna that was a ok place Dad papa and me all went on space mouantin that was a cool rollercoster. I liked it. The it was so funny we got my ganmotheto go a log flum she got soaked. That night we got home around 11:30the next day we went to epoot . that was cool because I always wanted to see the big ball where mickey mouse stands on and wave we went throws that. That night the fire works were aswern it must have lasted a good 1 hour 30 min. then we got home around 12:00 midnight. The next day we went to unvirsitl studos that is where they tarp niclodien and all those game shows . that was boring we got home around 12:00 midnight thene the rest of the time we went to water park minic golfand we visted my cosine the rest of he time there I had fun in florida I wanted to go back.
The following paper is an exerpt from a well written research paper demonstrating format:
(Sample Research Paper Form)