Writing Contest 2016 Judging Criteria

4

3

2

1

Voice

The author’s point of view is very clear.
The author offers a strong personal approach to an interesting consideration of the topic.

The author’s point of view is clear.
The author offers a personal approach to an interesting consideration of the topic.

The author’s point of view is somewhat clear.
The author has attempted to make a personal approach to an interesting consideration of the topic.

The author’s point of view is not clear.
There is no personal approach when considering the topic.

Focus & Details

There is one clear, well-focused topic.
Main ideas are clear and are well supported by detailed information.

There is one clear, well-focused topic.
Main ideas are clear but are not well supported by detailed information.

There is one topic.
Main ideas are somewhat clear.

The topic and main ideas are not clear.

Word Choice

The author uses vivid words and phrases.
The choice and placement of words seems accurate, natural, and not forced.

The author uses vivid words and phrases.
The choice and placement of words is inaccurate at times and is repetitive.

The author uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety.

The writer uses a limited vocabulary.
Jargon or clichés may be present and detract from the meaning.

Organization

The introduction is inviting, states the main topic, and provides an overview of the composition.
Information is relevant and presented in a logical order.
The conclusion is strong.

The introduction states the main topic and provides an overview of the paper.
A conclusion is included.

The introduction states the main topic.
A conclusion is included.

There is no clear introduction, structure, or conclusion.

Use of Conventions

All sentences are well constructed and have varied structure and length.
The author makes few errors in grammar, mechanics and spelling.

Most sentences are well constructed and have varied structure and length.
The author makes some errors in grammar, mechanics, and spelling but they don’t interfere with the meaning.

Most sentences are well constructed but they have similar structure and length.
The author makes several errors in grammar, mechanics, and spelling that interfere with the meaning.

Sentences sound awkward, are repetitive, or are difficult to understand.
The author makes numerous errors in grammar, mechanics, and spelling that interfere with the meaning.