MCAP ELA Informative/Explanatory Rubric, Grades 6-8 and 10

4 points

Demonstrates a full and complete understanding of ideas in the texts by providing an accurate analysis supported with effective and convincing textual evidence. Examines and conveys complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. Develops clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Includes ideas that are presented clearly and logically from beginning to end; there are strong connections between and among ideas.

3 points

Demonstrates an adequate understanding of ideas in the texts by providing a mostly accurate analysis supported with adequate textual evidence. Examines and conveys mostly accurate ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of content. Develops mostly clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are mostly appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Includes ideas that are mostly clear and logical from beginning to end; there are connections between and among ideas.

2 points

Demonstrates basic understanding of ideas in the texts by providing a somewhat accurate analysis supported with basic textual evidence. Examines and conveys somewhat accurate ideas, concepts, and information through the basic selection, organization, and analysis of content. Develops generally clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are somewhat appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Includes ideas that are generally clear and logical but may be uneven; there are general connections between and among ideas.

1 point

Demonstrates limited understanding of ideas stated in the texts by providing a minimally accurate analysis supported with limited textual evidence. Examines and conveys minimally accurate ideas, concepts, and information through the minimally effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. Shows limited development of writing in which the development, organization, and style are limited to task, purpose, and audience. Includes ideas that are limited; there are minimally effective connections between and among ideas.

0 points

Demonstrates no understanding of ideas in the texts. The response provides inaccurate or no analysis and no textual evidence. Examines and conveys missing or inaccurate ideas, concepts, and information; lacks selection, organization, and analysis of content. Lacks coherent writing, organization, and style for the task, purpose, and audience. Includes ideas that are inappropriate, inaccurate, or ideas are missing; there are few or no connections between and among ideas.

3 points

The response demonstrates a full command of conventions of standard English at the appropriate level of complexity. Sentence structures are varied, well-formed, and effectively controlled. Grammar and usage are strong and effective, enhancing the content of the response. Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are mostly correct.

2 points

The response demonstrates a partial command of conventions of standard English at the appropriate level of complexity. Sentences structures show some variety and are generally controlled. Grammar and usage may be uneven and may occasionally impede understanding. Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are generally correct.

1 point

The response demonstrates little command of conventions of standard English at the appropriate level of complexity. Sentence structure and control are limited. Errors in grammar and usage may be frequent and may impede understanding. Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization may be incorrect and/or unclear.

0 points

The response does not demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English at the appropriate level of complexity. Frequent and varied errors in mechanics, grammar, and usage impede understanding.