English A1 Written Commentary Rubric

S.2, Organization
(W4)
2.4 Uses a variety of
transitional devices
2.6 Organizes ideas to
achieve cohesion
IB Criterion C:
Presentation
Structure
Effective and
convincing
Appropriate
integration of
textual references

S.3, Grammar/Style
(W2)

S.5, Reading Proc.

(W2)

S.6, Reading
Interpretation (W4)

3.1 Uses language

conventions in written
compositions
3.2 Uses precise and
descriptive language that
clarifies and enhances ideas
and supports
3.3 Uses a variety of
sentence structures and
lengths
3.4 Uses a variety of
techniques to convey a
personal style and voice

5.1 Uses context to

understand figurative,
idiomatic, and technical
meanings of terms
5.6 Understands the
philosophical assumptions
and basic beliefs
underlying an authors
work
IB Criterion A:
Knowledge and
understanding
Content
Context

6.3-6.12: plot, action,

archetypes and symbols, point
of view, theme, structure,
diction / 6.13 Uses text
features and elements to
support inferences and
generalizations about
information
IB Criterion B:
Interpretation
Valid interpretation
Analysis of literary
features
Critical
thinking/originality
References to the text

precise and relevant

W1 = 7 pts
TOTAL = 35
Little interpretation
Little interpretation of thought
and feeling in the work
Response consists mainly of
narration and/or repetition of
content
Little or no awareness of
literary features
Some interpretation
Some interpretation of
thought and feeling in the
work
Some awareness of effects of
literary features
Response supported by a few
textual references

W1 = 7 points

W2 = 14 pts
W1 = 7 pts

0
1
2

Little sense of a focused

and developed response
Little evidence of a
structure
Little attempt to present
response with coherence
and focus
Few textual references
Some sense of a
focused and developed
response
Some evidence of a
structure
Some attempt at a
coherent response; not
always focused
Supporting references,
where relevant, are not
appropriately integrated
into the response
A generally focused and
developed response
Adequate structure
Generally focused;
presented in a coherent
and effective manner
Supported by generally
relevant references,
sometimes appropriately
integrated
A focused and
developed response
Clear and logical structure
Focused; presented in a
clear, coherent, effective
and convincing manner
Supporting references
appropriately integrated
into the body of the
response
A focused, welldeveloped and
convincing response
Clear and effective
structure
Focused and coherent;
presented in an effective

The language is rarely

clear and coherent
Language not readily
comprehensible
Many lapses, grammar &
expression
Vocabulary is rarely accurate
or appropriate
The language is only
sometimes clear and
coherent
Some degree of clarity &
coherence
Some degree of accuracy in
grammar and expression
Vocabulary is sometimes
appropriate for the
discussion of literature

Little knowledge
Little knowledge or
understanding
Little knowledge of the
appropriate context

The language is generally

clear and coherent
Clear language, appropriate
to the assignment
Only a few significant lapses
in grammar and expression
Attempts to use a register
appropriate to the oral
activity

Adequate
understanding
Adequate knowledge and
understanding of the
content
Adequate knowledge of
the appropriate context of
the work

The language is clear,

varied and precise.
Clear, varied and precise
speech, appropriate to the
occasion
No significant lapses in
grammar and expression
Suitable choice of register
and style
Some literary terms used
appropriately
The language is clear,
varied, precise and
somewhat concise.
Clear, varied, precise and
somewhat concise language,
appropriate to the occasion
No significant lapses in

Good understanding
Good knowledge and
understanding of the
content
Good knowledge of the
appropriate context of the
work

Some knowledge
Some knowledge but
superficial understanding
Some knowledge of the
appropriate context

Very good
understanding
Very good knowledge and
understanding of the
content
Very good knowledge of
the appropriate context of

Adequate interpretation
Adequate interpretation of
thought and feeling in the
work, including sometimes
valid personal observations,
where appropriate
Adequate awareness; little
analysis of effects of literary
features / Response supported
by some textual references
Good interpretation
A generally valid
interpretation of thought and
feeling in the work, including
some degree of a critical
response, where appropriate
Clear awareness and some
analysis of effects of literary
features
Response supported by
relevant textual references
Very good interpretation
A valid interpretation of
thought and feeling in the
work, including a perceptive
critical response, where
appropriate
Clear awareness and

and convincing manner

Supporting references well
integrated into the body of
the response

A clearly focused, welldeveloped and

persuasive response
Purposeful and effective
structure
Focused & coherent;
presented in very effective
/ persuasive manner;
supporting references well
integrated into the body of
the response

grammar and expression;

fairly effective choice of
register, style
Use of good vocabulary and
varied grammatical
structures
Literary terms used
appropriately
The language is clear,
varied, precise and
concise.
Clear, varied, precise and
concise language,
appropriate to the occasion;
no significant lapses in
grammar and expression
Effective choice of register
and style
Precise use of wide
vocabulary and varied
grammatical structures
Literary terms used
appropriately

the work

considerable analysis of
effects of literary features
Response supported by
accurate and relevant textual
references

Excellent
understanding
Thorough knowledge and
understanding of the
content
Precise knowledge of the
appropriate context of the
work

Excellent interpretation
A valid interpretation of
thought and feeling in the
work, including a considered
critical response, where
appropriate
Clear awareness and thorough
analysis of effects of literary
features
Response well supported by
accurate and relevant textual
references