| Grammar / Syntax |
|---|
| 5 | No errors of grammar or word order. |
| 4 | Some errors of grammar or word order but communication not impaired. |
| 3 | Errors of grammar or word order fairly frequent; occasional re-reading necessary for full comprehension. |
| 2 | Errors of grammar or word order frequent; efforts of interpretation sometimes required on reader's part. |
| 1 | Errors of grammar or word order very frequent; reader often has to rely on own interpretation. |
| 0 | Errors of grammar or word order so severe as to make comprehension virtually impossible. |
| Vocabulary |
|---|
| 5 | Appropriate terms used consistently, clear command of vocabulary, no misspelled words. |
| 4 | Occasionally uses inappropriate terms or relies on circumlocution; expression of ideas not impaired; or a few misspelled words. |
| 3 | Uses wrong or inappropriate words fairly frequently; expression of ideas may be limited because of inadequate vocabulary. |
| 2 | Limited vocabulary and frequent errors clearly hinder expression of ideas. |
| 1 | Vocabulary so limited and so frequently misused that reader must often rely on own interpretation. |
| 0 | Vocabulary limitations so extreme as to make comprehension virtually impossible. |
| Organization |
|---|
| 5 | Material exceptionally well organized and connected including introduction, body, and conclusion structure. |
| 4 | Material well organized; structure could occasionally be clearer but communication not impaired. |
| 3 | Some lack of organization; re-reading required for clarification of ideas. Missing structures such as an introduction or conclusion. |
| 2 | Little or no attempt at connectivity, though reader can deduce some organization. Missing two or more structures such as the introduction and conclusion. |
| 1 | Individual ideas may be clear, but very difficult to deduce connection between them.
|
| 0 | Lack of organization so severe that communication is seriously impaired. |
| Cohesion |
|---|
| 5 | Consistent choices in cohesive structures. Ideas flow logically within the body and reflect the introduction. Essay remains on topic. Connector words assist the reader. |
| 4 | Occasional lack of consistency in choice of cohesive structures and vocabulary but overall ease of communication not impaired. |
| 3 | 'Patchy', with some cohesive structures or vocabulary items noticeably inappropriate to general style. Ideas tend to be disconnected from each other. Reads more like an outline than a coherent essay. |
| 2 | Cohesive structures or vocabulary items sometimes not only inappropriate but also misused; little sense of ease of communication. |
| 1 | Communication often impaired by completely inappropriate or misused cohesive structures or vocabulary items. |
| 0 | A 'hodgepodge' of half-learned misused cohesive structures and vocabulary items rendering communication almost impossible. |
| Handwritten penmanship |
|---|
| 5 |
Exemplary near perfect penmanship, letters on the line, correctly formed letters, even and appropriate spacing between letters and words, legible. |
| 4 | A few inconsistencies in spacing and letter formation, penmanship is neat. |
| 3 | Frequent errors in spacing or letter formation, some difficulties in reading due to legibility. |
| 2 | Substantive, frequent errors in spacing, letter formation. Difficult to read, penmanship problematic but still decipherable. |
| 1 |
Penmanship errors so fundamental and pervasive as to render the essay almost unreadable and incomprehensible. |
| 0 | Illegible scrawl. |