Letter-Writing : Letter to a Mayor

CATEGORY

Sentences &
Paragraphs

Sentences and
paragraphs are
complete, wellconstructed and of
varied structure.

All sentences are

complete and wellconstructed (no
fragments, no runons). Paragraphing
is generally done
well.

Most sentences are

complete and wellconstructed.
Paragraphing needs
some work.

Many sentence
fragments or run-on
sentences OR
paragraphing needs
lots of work.

Grammar &
spelling
(conventions)

Writer makes no
Writer makes 1-2
errors in grammar or errors in grammar
spelling.
and/or spelling.

Writer makes 3-4

errors in grammar
and/or spelling

Writer makes more

than 4 errors in
grammar and/or
spelling.

capitalization and
punctuation.

Writer makes 1-2

errors in
capitalization and
punctuation.

Writer makes 3-4

errors in
capitalization and
punctuation.

Writer makes more

than 4 errors in
capitalization and
punctuation.

Salutation and
Closing

Salutation and
closing have no
errors in
capitalization and
punctuation.

Salutation and
closing have 1-2
errors in
capitalization and
punctuation.

Salutation and
closing have 3 or
more errors in
capitalization and
punctuation.

Salutation and/or
closing are missing.

Problem

Problem is relevant
to the communities
needs and explained
in clear terms. Ex.
We need a
playground because
kids don't have a
place to play.

Problems is relevant
to the communitys
needs, but is not
clearly explained.
Ex. We need a
playground.

Problem is not
relevant to the
communitys needs.
Ex. A new center for
the Mavs is not
relevant to the
communitys needs.

Problem is not
included in the letter.

Solution

Multiple solutions
that are carefully
thought out are
included in the letter.

Multiple solutions are Only one solution is

included in the letter, offered in the letter.
but not all are well
thought out.

Writer makes no
Capitalization
and Punctuation errors in

The letter doesn't

offer any solutions.