The "Kid-Friendly" 4-Point Rubric for Students
4 points: My writing is clear and does what the prompt asked me. My errors in spelling and punctuation are so few they wouldn't bother you.
Content and Organization	Style
I used important details and information.	My word choice is awesome. The words fit the prompt well.
I did not forget or lose the main idea when I added interesting details.	I tried to use interesting words or descriptions to make pictures in the reader's mind.
I was careful to organize the ideas logically and effectively.	My sentences are not all the same. I used different sentences.
I made sure all of my details connect to the prompt.	My writing is neat and almost perfect.
3 Points: My writing is pretty good. I did what the prompt asked of me, but I did not give enough information or details with my answer. I need to add more. I made few errors in spelling and puncutation.
Content and Organization	Style
I explained my main idea, but I need to add more information. I need to choose more important details and take out those that aren't.	Most of my words go well with the purpose.
Sometimes my writing moves away from the main point or details get in the way of the main point.	At times, I could have chosen better words.
I need to put my story in order.	My sentences are well written, but I did not try different kinds of sentences.
I need to connect ideas so that they all fit well together.	Most of my paper is neat and easy to read.
	I may have made a mistake in grammar, spelling, or punctuation, but you can still understand what I mean.
2 Points: My writing is not clear enough, and I drifted away from the prompt. I need to use more details and be sure they are accurate. I did not notice the errors I made in spelling and mechanics.
Content and Organization	Style
I need to write more clearly and be sure I keep the purpose in mind. I need to be sure I have told all that I can to make my paper complete.	I need to use words that are strong and effective.
I may not have included enough details, or I may not have spent too much time on the details and forgot the purpose.	My writing is not smooth, and I repeat myself at times.
My writing may seem llike a list that like a paragraph with ideas that go together.	Sometimes you can't read my writing, and I need to be more careful about spelling and mechanics.
I need to be sure my writing stays on topic.
1 Point: My writing needs to be focused and organized. I need to write more to the prompt and include a lot more details and information. I have too many mistakes in spelling and mechanics.
Content and Organization	Style
I have not paid enough attention to what I am supposed to write.	I need to write so that others can read it.
I need to include a lot more information.	I need to choose a variety of words and be sure that they are just right.
I need to organize my ideas so that my writing is clear.	I need to learn more words.
I need to make sure my writing is complete and about the topic.	I need to write complete sentences.
	My mistakes in spelling and mechanics keep my reader from understanding what I meant.
Reproduced from Colorado Department of Education, Student Assessment Unit