Writing
Rating Scale
Content and
Development
• Relevance of content
to task
• Quality of ideas used to
develop the response
5 Richly develops an
argument with original
supporting details.
Exceeds Standard
4 Fully develops an
argument with appropriate
supporting details.
3 Adequately develops an
Standard
argument. May rely on
prompt for content.
2 Inadequate development
of argument. Content may
be limited or primarily
based on prompt. Some
Below Standard
content may be irrelevant
to the topic.
1 Little or no development
of argument. Content is
irrelevant or taken directly
from the prompt.
A Not on Topic rating is awarded to any essay or letter that:
Not Scored
Not • is written on a topic different from those assigned; or
On
Topic
• is connected to the prompt so loosely that the essay or letter could very well have been prepared in advance; or
• requires considerable effort to see any connection between the composition and the prompt.
Last Update: 12/11/18
Organization
Linguistic Range Communicative
and Connection
and Control Effect
of Ideas
• Arrangement of • Variety and precision • How well
content of grammar and communicative
• How language is used vocabulary goals are achieved
to link ideas
Smooth, effective Broad range of grammar Appropriate register,
arrangement and and vocabulary used awareness of audience,
connection of ideas. accurately. If any errors and establishment of
A variety of cohesive are present they are minor context fully enhance
devices are used and insignificant. the intended effect on
effectively. the reader.
Appropriate and clear Good range of grammar Appropriate register,
organization and and vocabulary; mostly awareness of audience,
connection of ideas. accurate with only and establishment of
Transition markers used occasional errors. context help the reader
appropriately and not to follow the text.
mechanically.
Ideas clearly and Sufficient range of Adequate sense of
adequately organized. grammar and vocabulary audience and purpose
Standard connectors to fulfill the task. Errors in for writing generally
used appropriately but grammar and vocabulary allow the reader to
somewhat mechanically. do not interfere with follow the text.
reader’s comprehension.
Simple, basic organization A range of structures Some misunderstanding
of ideas. Although may be attempted, but of audience and purpose
standard connectors grammar and vocabulary and inappropriate
may be present, ideas errors are frequent and register may have a
themselves are not always interfere with reader’s negative effect and
connected. comprehension. hinder the reader’s
comprehension of the
text.
Minimal or no Grammar and vocabulary Lacks audience
organization. Connectors errors predominate awareness and purpose
may be inappropriately and cause significant for writing.
used. Connection may not confusion.
be apparent.
MichiganAssessment.org