Texas STAAR Informational Writing Rubric - Grades 3-5

Central idea is clear and fully developed. Organization is effective. Evidence is specific, well chosen, and relevant. Expression of ideas is clear and effective.

Central idea is present and partially developed. Organization is limited. Evidence is limited and may include some irrelevant information. Expression of ideas is basic.

Central idea is present but not developed. Organization is minimal and/or weak. Evidence is insufficient and/or mostly irrelevant. Expression of ideas is ineffective.

Central idea may be evident. Lacks introduction and conclusion. No organizational structure. Evidence not provided or irrelevant. Expression of ideas unclear/incoherent.

Consistent command of grade-level conventions: Correct sentence construction. Proper punctuation. Accurate capitalization. Correct grammar. Correct spelling. Few errors, not impacting clarity.

Inconsistent command of grade-level conventions: Some issues with sentence construction. Some punctuation errors. Some capitalization errors. Some grammar mistakes. Some spelling errors. Several errors, but thoughts understandable.

Little to no command of grade-level conventions: Frequent sentence structure issues. Frequent punctuation errors. Frequent capitalization errors. Frequent grammar mistakes. Frequent spelling errors. Many errors impacting clarity and understanding. Note: A score of 0 in Development and Organization automatically results in a 0 for Conventions.