1. PURPOSE/FOCUS/ORGANIZATION
English I Monday Aug. 29th
Materials needed:
journals
sheet of paper
something to write with
In your journals, copy down the following information about the rubric you will be using when we get to writing your VLT essay in two weeks (remember, journal information will be on the final exam!)
PURPOSE/FOCUS/ORGANIZATION
In your own words, what do these terms mean when it comes to writing? (1-2 sentences)
EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION
CONVENTIONS OF STANDARD ENGLISH (GRAMMAR)
In your own words, what does this mean? (1-2 sentences)

2. PURPOSE/ FOCUS/ ORGANIZATION- WORTH 4 POINTS TOTAL
For a top score of 4
What the rubric says:
Strongly maintained controlling idea with little or
no loosely related material
Skillful use of a variety of transitional strategies
to clarify the relationships between and among
ideas
Logical progression of ideas from beginning to
end with a satisfying introduction and conclusion
Appropriate style and objective tone established
and maintained

3. PURPOSE/ FOCUS/ ORGANIZATION-
For a top score of 4
What the rubric really means (copy this down):
Main idea is strong
Different transitions (such as, therefore, however, etc…) are used
Sequence of events makes sense
Tone is not biased (one sided)

4. PURPOSE/ FOCUS/ ORGANIZATION-
For a pretty good score of 3
What the rubric says:
Maintained controlling idea, though some loosely related material may be present
Adequate use of a variety of transitional strategies to clarify the relationships between and among ideas
Adequate progression of ideas from beginning to end with a sufficient introduction and conclusion
Appropriate style and objective tone established

5. PURPOSE/ FOCUS/ ORGANIZATION-
For a pretty good score of 3
What the rubric really means (copy this down):
Main idea is on topic most of the time
Some transitions are used
Sequence of events at least follows beginning, middle, and end
Tone is usually not biased

6. PURPOSE/ FOCUS/ ORGANIZATION-
For a fair score of 2
What the rubric says:
Focused controlling idea but insufficiently sustained or unclear
Inconsistent use of transitional strategies with little variety
Uneven progression of ideas from beginning to end with an inadequate introduction or conclusion

7. PURPOSE/ FOCUS/ ORGANIZATION-
For a fair score of 2
What the rubric really means (copy this down):
Main idea is there, but it’s unclear
Transitions are rarely used
Sequence of events doesn’t follow beginning, middle, and end

8. PURPOSE/ FOCUS/ ORGANIZATION-
For a low score of 1
What the rubric says:
Confusing or ambiguous ideas few or no transitional strategies
Frequent extraneous ideas that impede understanding
Too brief to demonstrate knowledge of focus or organization

9. PURPOSE/ FOCUS/ ORGANIZATION-
For a low score of 1
What the rubric really means (copy this down):
Main idea makes little sense
Ideas are off topic
Organization is all over the place

10. PURPOSE/ FOCUS/ ORGANIZATION-
For a score of 0…

11. EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION- WORTH 4 POINTS TOTAL
For a top score of 4
What the rubric says:
Smoothly integrated, thorough, and relevant evidence, including precise references to sources
Effective use of a variety of elaborative techniques (including but not limited to definitions, quotations, and examples), demonstrating an understanding of the topic and text
Clear and effective expression of ideas, using precise language
Academic and domain-specific vocabulary clearly appropriate for the audience and purpose
Varied sentence structure, demonstrating language facility

12. EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION- WORTH 4 POINTS TOTAL
For a top score of 4
What the rubric really means (copy this down):
Evidence is precise
A lot of definitions, quotes, and examples used
Words used have to do with the subject
Different types of sentences used

13. EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION
English I Thursday Aug. 27th
EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION
For a pretty good score of 3
What the rubric says:
Generally integrated and relevant evidence from
sources, though references may be general or
imprecise
Adequate use of some elaborative techniques
Adequate expression of ideas, employing a mix of
precise and general language
Domain-specific vocabulary generally appropriate for
the audience and purpose
Some variation in sentence structure

14. EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION
English I
EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION
For a pretty good score of 3
What the rubric really means (copy this down):
Evidence kind of makes sense
Some definitions, quotes, and examples
Some of the words have to do with the subject

15. EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION
For a fair score of 2
What the rubric says:
Weakly integrated evidence from sources; erratic or irrelevant references or citations
Repetitive or ineffective use of elaborative techniques
Imprecise or simplistic expression of ideas
Some use of inappropriate domain-specific vocabulary
Most sentences limited to simple constructions

16. EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION
For a fair score of 2
What the rubric really means (copy this down):
Evidence is repetitive
Ideas make little sense
Words and sentences are simple

17. EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION
For a low score of 1
What the rubric says:
 Minimal, absent, erroneous, or irrelevant evidence or citations from the source material
 Expression of ideas that is vague, unclear, or confusing
 Limited and often inappropriate language or domain specific vocabulary
 Sentences limited to simple constructions

18. EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION
For a low score of 1
What the rubric really means (copy this down):
evidence has little to do with the subject
 ideas make no sense
 words and sentences are few

19. EVIDENCE AND ELABORATION
For a score of 0…

20. CONVENTIONS OF STANDARD ENGLISH (GRAMMAR)- WORTH
2 POINTS TOTAL
For a top score of 2
What the rubric says:
Some minor errors in usage but no
patterns of errors
Adequate use of punctuation,
capitalization, sentence formation,
and spelling

21. CONVENTIONS OF STANDARD ENGLISH (GRAMMAR)
For a top score of 2
What the rubric really means (copy this down):
There are a few mistakes, but not many
Punctuation ,capitalization, sentence formation, and spelling are mostly in order

22. CONVENTIONS OF STANDARD ENGLISH (GRAMMAR)
For a score of 0…

23. So, now let’s get out a sheet of paper and take a little quiz
Don’t worry, it’s open notes
Just write the answers on your paper, not the questions
…I hope you were writing 

24. 1. What are the three categories of the rubric?
2. How many points is the 1st category worth?
3. How many points is the 2nd category worth?
4. How many points is the 3rd category worth?
5. If you received a total of 8 points on your essay, what grade would that be?
6. Tell me one thing about what earns a top score for the 1st category
7. Tell me one thing about what earns a top score for the 2nd category.
8. Tell me one thing that earns a top score for the 3rd category.