Eric H. Roth/Marc Aubertin
Fall 2004

Written Communication Grading and Scoring Guide

Final Portfolio

A: Superior

"A" writing is superior writing, but may have minor flaws. Writing in this category:

• addresses the topic clearly and responds effectively to all aspects of the task
• explores the issues thoughtfully and in depth
• is coherently and logically organized, with ideas supported by apt reasons and well-chosen examples
• has an effective, fluent style marked by syntactic variety and a clear command of language
• is generally free from errors in mechanics, usage, and sentence structure

B: Strong

"B" writing demonstrates clear competence in writing. It may have some errors, but they are not serious enough to distract or confuse the reader. Writing in this category:

• clearly addresses the topic, but may respond to some aspects of the task more effectively than others
• shows some depth and complexity of thought
• is well-organized and developed with appropriate reasons and examples
• displays some syntactic variety and facility in the use of language
• may have a few errors in mechanics, usage, and sentence structure

C: Adequate

"C" writing demonstrates adequate writing. It may have some errors that distract the reader, but they do not significantly obscure meaning. Writing in this category:

• addresses the topic, but may slight some aspect of the task
• may treat the topic simplistically or repetitively
• is adequately organized and developed, generally supporting ideas with reasons and examples
• demonstrates adequate facility with syntax and language
• may have some errors, but generally demonstrates control of mechanics, usage, and sentence structure

C-/D+: Marginal

"C-/D+" writing demonstrates developing competence, but is flawed in some significant way(s). Writing in this category reveals one or more of the following weaknesses:

• distorts or neglects aspects of the topic
• lacks focus, or demonstrates confused or simplistic thinking
• is poorly organized or developed
• does not provide adequate or appropriate details to support generalizations, or provides details without generalizations
• has problems with or avoids syntactic variety
• has an accumulation of errors in mechanics, usage, and sentence structure

D: Inadequate

"D" writing is seriously flawed. Writing in this category reveals one or more of the following weaknesses:

• indicates confusion about the topic or neglects important aspects of the task
• lacks focus and coherence, or often fails to communicate its ideas
• has very weak organization, or little development
• provides simplistic generalizations without support
• has inadequate sentence control and a limited vocabulary
• is marred by numerous errors in mechanics, usage, and sentence structure

F: Incompetent

" F" writing demonstrates fundamental deficiencies in writing skills. Writing in this category reveals one or more of the following weaknesses:

• suggests an inability to comprehend the question or to respond meaningfully to the topic
• is unfocused, illogical, incoherent, or disorganized
• is undeveloped
• provides little or no relevant support
• has serious and persistent errors in word choice, mechanics, usage, and sentence structure
  

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