Outstanding

Proficient

Emerging

Attempt Made

Paragraph and Sentences

Topic sentences are engaging and detailed.  Overall, the paragraphs and sentences are more complex.

Each paragraph has at least 4 - 6 relevant sentences, (they go together in a sensible way). There is a topic sentences that focuses the paragraph and one that ends it.  Sentences are clear.

Paragraphs may contain irrelevant information; topic sentences are not always clear; there is no conclusion sentence.  Sentences need to be clearer or may be very simple.

Paragraphs lack enough sentences to make sense; no topic sentences or conclusions.  Sentences lack clarity, (they are unclear).

Mechanics

(spelling, capitalization, punctuation, or usage)

Very neatly written with fewer than 4 errors.

Neatly written with fewer than 6 errors, (no errors in character or title)

Not as neat or contains more than 5 errors; or may have numerous misspellings of title or main character's name.

Sloppy, or contains more than 7 errors and the reader cannot stay focused.

Cover

Very creative. Engaging color picture on cover with exceptional neatness. Cover is error-free (no mistakes)

Cover includes color picture from the story; title; author; name; grade 5; date; no more than 1 error

Missing one element from cover or has more than 1 error

Missing more than 1 element from cover or has more than 3 errors