B.E.S.T. Writing Rubric — Expository, Grades 7-10

4 points

Central idea is focused on the task and consistently maintained throughout, with organizational structure that strengthens the response. Transitions are purposeful; introduction and conclusion are effective and enhance the essay.

3 points

Central idea is focused on the task and generally maintained throughout, with logical organization. Transitions connect ideas purposefully; introduction and conclusion are sufficient and contribute to a sense of completeness.

2 points

Central idea may be unclear, loosely related, or insufficiently sustained. Organization may be repetitive or inconsistent. Transitions attempt to connect ideas but may lack purpose and/or variety. Introduction/conclusion may be present but repetitive, simplistic, or otherwise ineffective.

1 point

Central idea may be absent, ambiguous, or confusing. Little or no discernible organizational structure. Transitions may be absent or confusing. Response may be too brief to demonstrate task awareness.

4 points

Skillful development demonstrates thorough understanding of the topic. Elaboration includes original student writing combined with paraphrasing, text evidence, examples, definitions, narrative, and/or rhetorical techniques. Evidence is smoothly integrated from multiple sources and appropriately cited.

3 points

Logical development demonstrates understanding of the topic. Elaboration combines original student writing with paraphrasing, text evidence, examples, definitions, narrative, and/or rhetorical techniques. Evidence is relevant, integrated, and appropriately cited.

2 points

Development may demonstrate partial or incomplete understanding. Elaboration may attempt to develop the central idea but may rely heavily on sources, or be loosely related, repetitive, or otherwise ineffective. Evidence may be partially integrated and lacks appropriate citations.

1 point

Response may demonstrate lack of understanding, with confusing ideas. Evidence may be absent, vague, and/or confusing, and lacks appropriate citations. Response may be too brief to demonstrate knowledge.

4 points

Integration of academic vocabulary strengthens and furthers ideas. Skillful use of varied sentence structure contributes to fluidity. Grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling demonstrate consistent command. Tone/voice strengthens the overall response.

3 points

Integration of academic vocabulary demonstrates clear expression of ideas. Sentence structure is varied and shows grade-appropriate language facility. Grammar/conventions demonstrate grade-appropriate command of standard English. Tone/voice is appropriate for the overall response.

2 points

Vocabulary may be imprecise or basic. Sentence structure may be partially controlled, somewhat simplistic. Inconsistent use of conventions may contain multiple distracting errors. Tone/voice may be inconsistent.

1 point

Vocabulary may be vague, unclear, or confusing. Sentence structure may be simplistic or confusing. Errors demonstrate lack of command of standard English conventions, often obscuring meaning. Tone/voice may be inappropriate.