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 for Personal Expression on MSPAP.

My paper may be a story, a poem, a play, several paragraphs, or an essay.

Score Point 3

• My paper is well developed and complete.
• I have a clear organization for my ideas and it is appropriate for the type of writing I did.
• I clearly understood the audience that I wrote this for and I meet the audience's needs even if the audience is myself.
• I effectively use language choices to help the style or tone and they are appropriate for the type of writing I did.

Score Point 2

• My paper is partially developed but it is not a well-developed whole. There may be gaps or uneven parts.
• I have an order for my ideas and it is appropriate for the type of writing I did.
• I somewhat understood the audience that I wrote this for and I tried to meet the audience's needs even if the audience is myself.
• I tried to use language choices to help with the style or tone and they are appropriate for the type of writing I did.

Score Point 1

• I tried to develop my ideas but the paper is not whole or complete.
• I tried to order my ideas for the type of writing I did but it may get off track.
• I tried to understand the audience I was writing for.
• I used some language choices, but they may not be effective.

Score Point 0

• I did not develop the ideas into a complete whole.
• I have no real order for my ideas.
• I did not try to write for the audience.
• I did not use language choices to help with style or tone.

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