5          The writer demonstrates a good grasp of standard writing conventions (e.g., relationship to the organizational structure of the text.spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, paragraphing) and uses relationship to the organizational structure of the text.  Conventions effectively to enhance readability.  Errors tend to conventions effectively to enhance readability.  Errors tend to be so few that just minor touch-ups would get this piece ready to publish.

          A.  Spelling is generally correct, even on more difficult words.

          B.  The punctuation is accurate, even creative, and guides the reader through the text.

          C.  A thorough understanding and consistent application of capitalization skills are present.

          D.  Grammar and usage are correct and contribute to clarity and style.

            E.  Paragraphing tends to be sound and reinforces the organizational structure.

            F.  The writer may manipulate conventions for stylistic effect – and it works!  The piece is very close to being ready to publish.

3          The writer shows reasonable control over a limited range of standard writing conventions.  Conventions are sometimes handled will and enhance readability; at other times, errors are distracting and impair readability.

A.  Spelling is usually correct or reasonably phonetic on common words, but more difficult words are problematic.

B.  End punctuation us usually correct; internal punctuation (commas, apostrophes, semicolons, dashes, colons, and parentheses) is sometimes missing/wrong.

C.  Most words are capitalized correctly; control over more sophisticated capitalization skills may be spotty.

D.  Paragraphing is attempted but may run together or begin in the wrong places.

E. Problems with grammar or usage are not serious enough to distort meaning but may not be correct or accurately applied all of the time.

F.  Moderate (a little of this, a little of that) editing would be required to polish the text for publication.

1          Errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, usage, and grammar and /or paragraphing repeatedly distract the reader and make the text difficult to read.  The writing reflects more than one of these problems:

            A. Spelling errors are frequent, even on common words.

            B.  Punctuation (including terminal punctuation) is often missing or incorrect.

            C.  Capitalization is random and only the easiest rules show awareness of correct use.

            D.  Errors in grammar or usage are very noticeable, frequent an affect meaning.           

            E.  Paragraphing is missing, irregular, or so frequent (every sentence) that it has no relationship to the organizational structure of the text.

            F.  The reader must read once to decode, then again for meaning.  Extensive editing (virtually every line) would be required to polish the text for publication.