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Provo City School District

Provost Elementary School

Last modified: September 3, 2020

Rubric for 5th Grade Persuasive Writing

IDEAS AND CONTENT

5

This paper is clear, focused, and persuasive. It holds the reader’s attention.

Relevant anecdotes and details enrich the main idea.

*The writer expresses his/her opinion in a convincing manner by providing ample

support.

* The writer shows insight and has a good sense of how ideas connect with one

another.

*The writing has balance. A main idea stands out; secondary ideas do not usurp

too much attention.

*The writer seems to be in control, and orchestrates development of the topic in an

enlightening, or entertaining way.

* The writer acknowledges other opinions about the subject

ORGANIZATION

5

The organization enhances and showcases the main idea. The order, structure, and

presentation move the reader nicely through the text.

*An inviting introduction draws the reader in, and a satisfying conclusion leaves the

reader with a sense of completeness.

*Details seem to fit where they are placed.

*Transitions are smooth and weave the separate threads of meaning into one

cohesive whole.

* The writing is well balanced and moves along smoothly.

* Organization flows so smoothly that the reader may not be conscious of

organizational patterns or structure unless looking for them.

VOICE

5

The writer speaks directly to the audience in a way that is individualistic,

expressive, and engaging. Clearly, the writer is involved in the topic and is writing

to be read.

*The writer is willing to take some risks.

* The paper has the ring of conviction.

* The language is natural; it brings the topic to life.

* The reader feels a strong sense of interaction with the writer and senses the

person behind the words.

* The projected tone and voice clarify and give flavor to the writer’s message.

WORD CHOICE

5

Words convey the intended message in an interesting, precise, and natural way.

The writing is full and rich, yet concise.

* Words are specific and accurate: they seem just right.

* Imagery is strong.

* Powerful verbs give the writing energy.

* Vocabulary may be striking, but it’s natural, and never overdone.

* Expression is fresh and appealing; slang is used sparingly.

SENTENCE FLUENCY

5

The writing has an easy flow and rhythm when read aloud. Sentences are

consistently well-crafted with a varied structure that makes expressive oral reading

easy and enjoyable.

* Sentence structure strongly reflects a logic that shows how the ideas are

interrelated.

*The writing sounds natural and fluent; it glides along with effective phrasing, one

sentence flowing effortlessly into the next.

* Writing is appropriately concise, yet not terse. Sentences display an effective

combination of power and grace.

*Sentences vary in structure and length, adding interest to the text.

CONVENTIONS

5

The writer demonstrates a good grasp of standard writing conventions,* and uses

them effectively to enhance readability.

Errors tend to be so few and so minor that the reader can easily skim right over

them.

* Grammar and usage are correct and contribute to clarity and style.

* Punctuation is smooth, so it guides the reader through the text.

* Spelling is generally correct, even on more difficult words.

* The writer may manipulate conventions—particularly grammar—for stylistic effect.

* The writing is sufficiently long and complex to allow the writer to show skill in using

a wide range of conventions.

* Paragraphing tends to be sound and to reinforce the organizational structure.

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