Georgia Milestones Literature and Composition II Rubric

Strong and interesting topic sentence clearly identifies the central idea of the source. Supporting facts flow naturally in a logical order.

Topic sentence clearly identifies the central idea of the source. Supporting facts are in a logical order.

Topic sentence relates to the source but may waver from its central idea. Facts are mostly presented in an acceptable order.

Topic sentence is unclear or unrelated to the central idea of the source. Facts presented lack a clear sense of order.

Does not meet criteria for one point

Sufficient facts and details support the topic sentence. Well-chosen, important, and interesting facts relate to the topic sentence. Only facts are expressed, not the writer's opinion. Summary length is short and concise; fits topic well. Summary shows in-depth understanding of the source.

Just enough facts and details support the topic sentence. Important facts that relate to the topic are presented. Facts are expressed; the writer may hint at an opinion. Summary is an appropriate length for the topic. Summary shows solid understanding of the source.

Some facts and details support the topic sentence. Some important facts relate to the topic sentence. Facts are expressed, but the writer also includes an opinion. Summary is a reasonable length. Summary shows a basic understanding of the source.

Few facts are presented to support the topic sentence. Many important facts are missing; less important details may be included. Both facts and opinions are expressed equally. Summary may be a bit too short or too long. Summary shows that parts of the source were understood.

Not enough or no facts support the topic sentence. Most important facts are missing; facts do not relate to the topic. Opinions are expressed, rather than facts. Summary length is inappropriately short or long. Summary does not show an understanding of the source.

Varied sentence structures are purposeful and effective. Words, phrases, and verbs are well chosen for the summarizing task. Rich vocabulary and language use engage the reader and fit the source summarized. Formal tone is maintained consistently and confidently.

Different sentence structures, lengths, and starters are used. Words, phrases, and verbs fit the summarizing task. Vocabulary and language provide interest and fit the source summarized. Formal tone is maintained throughout the piece.

Correct sentences are used with little variety in structure, length, or starters. Words and phrases are largely basic but correct; mostly fit the summarizing task. Vocabulary and language are simple but fit the source summarized. Formal tone is evident but not consistently maintained.

Many fragments, run-ons, or repetitive or choppy sentence structures. Many words or phrases are basic, repeated, or inaccurate, and they don't fit the summarizing task. Vocabulary and language are unclear or unsuited to the source summarized. Formal tone is attempted but largely inconsistent.

Largely incorrect sentence structures (fragments, run-ons) interfere with reading. Words or phrases are basic, repeated, inaccurate, or inappropriate to the summarizing task. Vocabulary and language are unclear, confusing, or unsuited to the source summarized. Tone of writing is not formal.

Text communicates clearly with minimal errors in: Capitalization; Usage; Punctuation; Spelling; Paragraphing.

Text is clearly understood due to few errors in: Capitalization; Usage; Punctuation; Spelling; Paragraphing.

Text is understood despite some errors in: Capitalization; Usage; Punctuation; Spelling; Paragraphing.

Misunderstandings result from errors in: Capitalization; Usage; Punctuation; Spelling; Paragraphing.

Text is confusing due to frequent errors in: Capitalization; Usage; Punctuation; Spelling; Paragraphing.