SBAC Informative/Explanatory Writing Rubric (Grades 3-5)

Smarter Balanced informative/explanatory writing rubric for elementary students. Assesses focus, organization, elaboration, and conventions.

English
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
10 points

Rubric Details

Standard
California SBAC
Subject
English
Grade Level
3-5
Total Points
10
Criteria
4 categories
Assignment Type
essay

Rubric Criteria

Statement of Purpose/Focus
Clarity and focus of the controlling idea or thesis
4 pts
3 pts
2 pts
1 pt
0 pts
Description
Controlling idea is clearly communicated and maintained throughout. Strongly focused response.
Controlling idea is clear and mostly maintained.
Controlling idea may be somewhat unclear or inconsistently maintained.
Controlling idea is unclear or off-topic.
Response is blank, too brief, or does not address the task.
Organization
Logical structure and coherence
4 pts
3 pts
2 pts
1 pt
0 pts
Description
Effective organizational structure with strong transitions creating unity and completeness.
Evident organizational structure with adequate transitions.
Inconsistent organization. Some ideas loosely connected.
Little or no discernible organizational structure.
Response is blank, too brief, or does not address the task.
Evidence/Elaboration
Development of topic with relevant details and evidence
4 pts
3 pts
2 pts
1 pt
0 pts
Description
Thorough elaboration with well-chosen, relevant evidence. Effective integration of source material.
Adequate elaboration with sufficient evidence from sources.
Uneven elaboration. Evidence may be weak, general, or limited.
Minimal elaboration. Little relevant evidence.
Response is blank, too brief, or does not address the task.
Conventions
Command of grammar, usage, and mechanics
2 pts
1 pt
0 pts
Description
Adequate command of conventions. Few errors that do not interfere with meaning.
Limited command of conventions. Errors may interfere with meaning.
Response is blank or contains severe errors that prevent understanding.

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