Content descriptor 0-1 2 3 4-5

Arguments There were less than three There were at least three Included three arguments. Included more than three
arguments. Arguments were arguments. Arguments Arguments were arguments. Arguments were
simplistic and were simple but had some developed and included well developed and included
underdeveloped. They did development They evidence to support their significant evidence to
not include evidence or included limited evidence thinking. support their thinking.
support their thinking. to support their thinking.

Persuasive devices Used a very limited number Used a limited number of Used a range of Used a wide range of
of persuasive techniques. persuasive techniques but persuasive techniques in persuasive techniques in a
attempted to incorporate an effective and sophisticated, thoughtful, and
them into their essay. meaningful way. effective manner.

Structure and Very little structure and Made attempts to
cohesion to their writing. structure their writing and
Cohesion
follow an formal structure.
Paragraphs are basic or
not attempted.
Well-structured and
cohesive letter that
follows a formal structure.
Uses paragraphs
appropriately.
Sophisticated structure and
cohesion. Uses a devised and
expands upon it. Paragraphs
are used appropriately.

Vocabulary Simple vocabulary. Little Simple vocabulary. Some Vocabulary is clear and Vocabulary is clear and
variation variation is attempted. concise, demonstrating an concise, demonstrating an age
age level appropriate level appropriate amount of
amount of variation and variation and complexity.
complexity.
Language conventions More than 10 spelling errors.
More than 5 punctuation
errors including missing full
stops and capital letters.
Between 5-10 spelling Fewer than 5 spelling Less than 3 spelling errors.
errors. All simple words errors. All simple words Punctuation is accurate and
are spelled correctly. are spelled correctly. includes the use of commas as
Sentences have full stops Punctuation is accurate well as utilising compound
and capital letters. and includes the use of sentences with appropriate
commas. conjunctions.