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CATEGORY
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4
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3
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2
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1
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Focus on Topic (Content)
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There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information.
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Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general.
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Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information.
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The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information.
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Support for Topic (Content)
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Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable.
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Supporting details and information are relevant, but one key issue or portion of the storyline is unsupported.
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Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues or portions of the storyline are unsupported.
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Supporting details and information are typically unclear or not related to the topic.
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Accuracy of Facts (Content)
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All supportive facts are reported accurately.
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Almost all supportive facts are reported accurately.
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Most supportive facts are reported accurately.
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NO facts are reported OR most are inaccurately reported.
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Capitalization & Punctuation (Conventions)
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Writer makes no errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the paper is exceptionally easy to read.
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Writer makes 1 or 2 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the paper is still easy to read.
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Writer makes a few errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and interrupt the flow.
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Writer makes several errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and greatly interrupt the flow.
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Conclusion (Organization)
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The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer is "getting at."
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The conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all the loose ends.
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The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends.
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There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends.
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Introduction (Organization)
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The introduction is inviting, states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper.
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The introduction clearly states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper, but is not particularly inviting to the reader.
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The introduction states the main topic, but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to the reader.
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There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the paper.
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Word Choice
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Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced.
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Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone.
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Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair.
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Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or cliches may be present and detract from the meaning.
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