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CONVENTIONS
6 5 4
The writing demonstrates strong control of standard writing The writin
conventions (e.g., punctuation, spelling, capitalization, paragraph (e.g., pun
The writing demonstrates exceptionally strong control of standard
breaks, grammar and usage) and uses them effectively to enhance grammar
writing conventions (e.g., punctuation, spelling, capitalization,
communication. Errors are so few and so minor that they do not impede re
paragraph breaks, grammar and usage) and uses them effectively to
impede readability. The writing is characterized by
enhance communication. Errors are so few and so minor that the
reader can easily skim right over them unless specifically searching for
them. The writing is characterized by strong control of conventions.
strong control of conventions; manipulation of effective use of punctuation that guides the
conventions may occur for stylistic effect. reader through the text.
strong, effective use of punctuation that guides correct spelling, even of more difficult words.
the reader through the text.
paragraph breaks that reinforce the
correct spelling, even of more difficult words. organizational structure.
paragraph breaks that reinforce the correct capitalization; errors, if any, are
organizational structure. minor.
correct grammar and usage that contribute to correct grammar and usage that contribute
clarity and style. to clarity and style.
skill in using a wide range of conventions in a skill in using a wide range of conventions in a
sufficiently long and complex piece. sufficiently long and complex piece.
little or no need for editing. little need for editing.
3 2 1
The writing demonstrates limited control of standard writing The writing demonstrates little control of standard writing Numerous
conventions (e.g., punctuation, spelling, capitalization, paragraph conventions. Frequent, significant errors impede readability. The repeatedly
breaks, grammar and usage). Errors begin to impede readability. The writing is characterized by fact, the s
writing is characterized by the reader
for meanin
little control over basic conventions.
some control over basic conventions; the text
may be too simple to reveal mastery.
many end-of-sentence punctuation errors;
internal punctuation contains frequent errors.
end-of-sentence punctuation that is usually
correct; however, internal punctuation contains
spelling errors that frequently distract the
frequent errors.
reader; misspelling of common words often
occurs.
spelling errors that distract the reader;
misspelling of common words occurs.
paragraphs that often run together or begin
in ineffective places.
paragraphs that sometimes run together or
capitalization that is inconsistent or often
begin at ineffective places. incorrect.
capitalization errors. errors in grammar and usage that interfere
with readability and meaning.
errors in grammar and usage that do not block
meaning but do distract the reader. substantial need for editing.
significant need for editing.
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