Rubric for Evaluation of the AXES Paragraph

A rubric is a grading tool that describes the criteria, or "what counts," for the assignment. It also describes
each of the criteria according to gradations of quality, with descriptions of strong, middling, and
problematic student work. The criteria are listed in the column on the left. The numbers in the top row
indicate quality, with 3 being the best. The number 0 is something everyone wants to avoid. Students may
use the rubric as a check list to determine if the writing meets the criteria of the assignment.

Point Value 2 points 1 points .5 points 0 points

Topic Sentence Interesting, original Clearly stated topic Acceptable topic Missing, invalid, or
topic sentence, sentence presents one sentence presents inappropriate topic
reflecting thought and main idea. one idea. sentence; main idea
insight; focused on is missing.
one interesting main
idea.
Supporting Interesting, concrete Examples and details Sufficient number Insufficient, vague, or
Details/ and descriptive relate to the topic and of examples and undeveloped
Historical example, historically some explanation is details that relate to examples. No
accurate accurate and details included and is fairly the topic. Few historical accuracy
with explanations that historically accurate. historical
relate to the topic. discrepancies.
Organization Thoughtful, logical Details are arranged Acceptable No discernible pattern
and Transitions progression of in a logical arrangement of of organization;
supporting examples; progression; examples; Unrelated details; no
Mature transitions appropriate transitions may be transitions.
between ideas. transitions. weak.
Style Appropriate tone, Appropriate tone; Acceptable tone; Inconsistent or
distinctive voice; Clear sentences with some variety in Inappropriate tone;
pleasing variety in varied structures; sentence structures;Awkward, unclear, or
sentence structure; Effective diction. Adequate diction incomplete sentences;
Vivid diction, precise and word choices. Bland diction, poor
word choices. word choice.
Mechanics Consistent standard Some errors, but none A few errors in Distracting errors in
English usage, major, in usage, usage, spelling, or usage, spelling, or
spelling, and spelling, or punctuation (3-4) punctuation
punctuation. No punctuation. (1-2)
errors.

Student’s Name you are reviewing ____________

Your name _______________

Justifying/arguing score _________

Writing (Content) score ________ Grade Equivalent:
AXES Format score __________
Strengths of paragraph A= 8 - 10 points
__________________________________________________________________ B= 6 -7 points
C= 4 - 5 points
Weakness of paper (Where can they improve?) ___________________________________ D= 2 - 3 points
F= 0-1
FOR TEACHER ONLY:

Final grade

Topic Sentences ______

Supporting Details and Organization ______
Organization/Transitions ______
Style ______
Mechanics ______

Total Points ______ = grade of ______

*Your instructor will average the scores of both paragraphs to generate your final grade for
Assignment #1.