Writing Assessment Criteria for Essay Writing (Advanced)
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7-6 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2-1 |
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Depending on the Level) |
Uses a wide range of structures (e.g. Excellent use of perfect tenses, proper tense changes, relative clauses) Majority of sentences are error-free Makes only very occasional errors |
Uses a good variety of complex grammar and sentence forms Makes some errors in complex sentences, but they rarely reduce communication. |
Uses an adequate variety of grammar and sentence forms Makes some errors in complex grammar as well as having a few errors in more basic forms.
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Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses Makes basic grammar mistakes Some structures are accurate but errors predominate |
Attempts to form sentences; errors in grammar obscure meaning. Cannot use sentence forms except in memorized phrases. |
Lexical Resource (Depending on the Level) |
Uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly to convey precise meaning. Skillfully uses uncommon lexical items with occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocations. Produces almost no errors in spelling and/or word formation. |
Uses a good range of vocabulary for the task. Uses less common vocabulary but with a little inaccuracy Makes few errors in spelling and/or word formation which do not obscure communication. |
Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy Makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not obscure communication. |
Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task Makes noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader |
Uses only basic vocabulary which may be used repetitively or which may be inappropriate for the task Has limited control of word formation and/or spelling; Errors may cause strain for the reader |
Coherence & Cohesion |
Sequences information and ideas logically. Manages all aspects of cohesion well, within and between paragraphs. Uses paragraphing sufficiently and appropriately. Uses a variety of level-appropriate cohesive devices |
Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
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Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression Uses inadequate, inaccurate, repetitive cohesive devices May be repetitive Uses paragraphing, but not always logically |
Has minimal organization and progression Uses some basic cohesive devices but these may be inaccurate or repetitive. Paragraphs only meets minimal length requirements |
Presents information and ideas but without coherence or clear progression. Few to no cohesive devices May not use paragraphs or their use may be confusing. |
Task Achievement
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Fully satisfies all the requirements of the task Clearly presents a fully developed response to the prompt Includes a well-developed thesis Great use of academically-appropriate, formal language |
Generally addresses the task; the format may be inappropriate in places Presents a clear purpose, with the tone consistent and appropriate to essay writing but could be more fully extended Includes an adequate thesis |
Attempts to address the task but does not cover all key features / bullet points; the format may be inappropriate Some parts may be unclear, irrelevant, repetitive or inaccurate Includes an attempt for thesis Essay is somewhat shorter than the requirements |
Essay is barely related or completely unrelated to the task Language is inappropriate for formal writing Essay is drastically shorter than the requirements
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Capitalization & Punctuation
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Almost no or few problems with capitalization or punctuation, which don’t interfere with the meaning. |
Some mistakes with capitalization or punctuation that make some parts hard to follow and which cause the essay to look informal and unprofessional. |
Too many problems with capitalization or punctuation which obscure the meaning. |
*The parts shaded on the criteria show the score that an average student should get. So overall, an average student grade is around 21-22.