Writing Scoring Guide
based on Mea Rubric

Stylistic and Rhetorical Aspects of Writing
Topic Idea Development
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·       Little topic development and/or organization, few details
·       Possible evidence of voice
·       Simplistic language (wording and sentence structures)
·       Limited topic development, focus, and/or details
·       Evidence of voice
·       Limited variety in language used (wording and sentence structures)
·       Moderate topic development, focus, and details
·       Some voice
·       Some variety in language used (wording and sentence structures)
·       Well developed with control and relevant details
·       Consistent voice
·       Variety in language used (wording and sentence structures)
·       Fully developed with strong details
·       Sustained voice and/or tone with emerging style
·       Effective use of language
·       Topic and details richly developed
·       Distinctive voice, tone, and style
·       Rich use of language

Definitions of Terms
                                Topic Development:      The depth and completeness of addressing the topic
                                Organization:           The degree to which the response is focused, clearly and logically ordered, and clarified by paragraphs
                                Details:                        The degree to which the response includes examples that develop and support the main points
Language/Style: The degree to which manipulation of language, including voice, vocabulary, word choice, word combination, and sentence variety, is effective

Standard English Conventions
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·       Errors seriously interfere with communication and/or
·       Little control of sentence structure, grammar, usage, and mechanics
·       Errors interfere somewhat with communication and/or
·       Few or no errors in simplistic or limited text
·       Errors do not interfere with communication and/or
·       Few errors relative to length of essay or complexity of sentence structure, grammar, usage, and mechanics
·       Control of a variety of sentence structures, grammar, usage, and mechanics
·       Length and complexity of essay provide opportunity for student to show control of Standard English conventions

Definition of Terms
                                Sentences:              The degree to which the response includes sentences that are correct in structure
Grammar and Usage:      The degree to which the response demonstrates correct use of standard grammatical rules of English and correct word usage and vocabulary
Mechanics:      The degree to which the response demonstrates correct punctuation, capitalization, and spelling

Note: Papers that are unscorable receive a 0.