| Criteria | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose. | The topic and opinion are not clearly stated. There is no organizational structure. | The topic and opinion are somewhat clear. The organizational structure is weak and unrelated ideas are grouped together. | The topic and opinion are clear. The organizational structure is evident, but some related ideas may not be grouped together. | The topic and opinion are clear. The organizational structure is evident and related ideas are mostly grouped together. | The topic and opinion are clear. The organizational structure is well-developed and all related ideas are grouped together. |
| Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details. | No reasons are provided or they are not supported by facts and details. | Some reasons are provided, but they are not supported by facts and details. | Reasons are provided and supported by some facts and details. | Reasons are provided and supported by relevant facts and details. | Reasons are provided and supported by strong and relevant facts and details. |
| Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition). | No linking words or phrases are used. | Some linking words or phrases are used, but they do not effectively connect the opinion and reasons. | Linking words or phrases are used to somewhat connect the opinion and reasons. | Linking words or phrases are used to connect the opinion and reasons. | Linking words or phrases are used effectively to connect the opinion and reasons. |
| Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented. | No concluding statement or section is provided. | A weak concluding statement or section is provided, but it is not related to the opinion presented. | A concluding statement or section is provided, but it may not be clearly related to the opinion presented. | A concluding statement or section is provided and is somewhat related to the opinion presented. | A strong concluding statement or section is provided and is clearly related to the opinion presented. |