As we peer edit, use the following rubric to help you comment on each other's writing. It can also help you when you think about your own writing and what your goals are.
Content—ideas, information, and their development (Includes thesis, evidence, story line, and descriptive details)
5—Clear, focused, substantial ideas; enhanced by significant detail that captures the reader’s interest
3—Moments of clarity, imprecise focus; ideas need more substance; some useful details
1—Sketchy, loosely focused; ideas need substance; minimal detail
Organization—internal structure (Includes introduction, conclusion, links among ideas, and flow of development)
5—The order, presentation or internal structure of the piece guides the reader naturally and purposefully and smoothly through the text.
3—The structure is adequate, but may be weak or distracting.
1—Ideas, details or events seem loosely strung together. The reader struggles to discover a clear direction or purpose.
Voice—connection between writer and reader (Includes the writer’s feelings and style, linked to the reader and the context of the piece)
5—The writer addresses the audience in a voice that is appropriate to the topic and purpose of the paper.
3—The writer communicates with the reader on a functional, if somewhat distant level in a voice that seems generally appropriate for the topic and audience.
1—The writer seems uninvolved with the topic or audience, and as a result, the tone may be distant, flat, jargonistic, impersonal, or just inappropriate. One or more of the following problems may be evident:
Word Choice—selection and use of words (Includes precision of meaning and emotive effect)
5—Clear, vivid words paint a strong and complete picture.
3—The words deliver a readable message, but at times lack clarity, precision, and energy.
1—The words used severely limit the clarity and precision of the message.
Sentence Fluency—rhythm and flow of the text (Includes poetic effects, creative sentence or phrase construction, and variety in the pace, length, and style of sentences)
5—Commanding rhythm; sentences build on each other; engaging variety; a pleasure to read aloud
3—Discernible rhythm; sentences moderately connected; some variety; can be read aloud without difficulty
1—Little or no rhythm; minimal connection among sentences; monotonous patterns; difficult to read aloud
Conventions—grammar, spelling, and punctuation
5—Accurate, creative use of grammar, capitalization, spelling, and punctuation enhances readability and layout of text.
3—Generally accurate use of grammar, capitalization, spelling, or punctuation, but mistakes impair readability and layout of text.
1—Numerous errors in use of grammar, capitalization, spelling, and punctuation consistently impair readability and layout of text.
