Note: This rubric has been modified for use with 8th graders. It is to be considered "kid language" and not the actual rubric used to score Writing to Inform on MSPAP.

Score Point 4

• My paper is well developed and I have more than enough information to inform the reader about the topic. The information is clearly presented with lots of elaboration.
• There are plenty of specific details that more than adequately explain the topic.
• I have a clear organization and I don't stray from it.
• I wrote for the intended audience.
• I frequently use language choices to maintain a style or a tone.

Score Point 3

• My paper is fairly well developed and I have enough information to inform the reader about the topic. The information is clearly presented with some elaboration.
• There are some specific details that adequately explain the topic but some of the details may not really help explain.
• I have an organization and I try to stick to it.
• I wrote for the intended audience.
• I use language choices to maintain a style or a tone.

Score Point 2

• My paper has little development and a minimum amount of information. The information does not clearly explain the topic and some of it might even interfere with my explanation.
• I used details but they may be the wrong details or they may not help to explain the topic.
• I wrote for the intended audience.
• I did not really make any language choices to help with style or tone.

Score Point 1

• I saw the prompt and I tried to write a response. I wrote very little and what I wrote is confusing or inaccurate.
• If I have details they are not enough to explain the topic.
• If I do have an organization it is not clear or I stray far from it.
• I may not address the intended audience.
• I did not use any language choices to help with style or tone.

For comments and inquiries, send email to:
Cam Miller
Curriculum Planner
Berlin Middle School
Worcester County