Letter Writing Assessment Checklist: Assessment of the Structure: Rating Scale Assess your own paper using the following rating scale and answer the questions after it.

Criteria

1

2

3

4

5

Comments

1. Introduction catches reader’s interests.

2. The subject is developed in the body paragraphs.

3. Every paragraph starts with a transition.

4. Body paragraphs contain one to three explanatory sentences.

5. Body paragraphs contain two to four sentences about specific details to achieve the communicative purpose of the letter.

6. Specific features are used to support ideas of a certain type of letter: details, supporting arguments, ideas, examples.

7. Features are colourful, interesting, appropriate.

8. Every paragraph ends with a good closing sentence.

9. Wording and ideas are fresh and interesting.

10. Correct introductory, conclusion, linking phrases are used according to the type of letter.

11. Contains no run-ons or sentence fragments.

12. Is free of errors in agreement.

• Subject/verb - singular or plural

• Pronoun selection correct (singular or plural)

• Pronoun selection correct (subject or object)

13. Is free of punctuation errors.

14. Is free of spelling errors.

15. Handwriting is easy to read.

Criteria

My paper demonstrates

Score

Comments

Conven-

tions

* My paragraphs are sound.

* Each of my paragraphs has one main idea or united by the main idea.

* I have used correct grammar.

* I have used correct punctuation.

* Periods are at the ends of my sentences.

* My spelling is correct.

* My handwriting is legible.

Fluency

* My sentences begin in different ways.

* My sentences build upon the ones before it.

* My sentences are different lengths.

* The meaning of each of my sentences is clear.

* My sentences flow and use correct grammar.

* There are no run-ons.

* My sentences are complete

Organization

* My paper is sequenced in order.

* My introduction is exciting and inviting.

* My ideas flow and are well connected.

* I have a satisfying conclusion.

Capitali-

zation

* I have capitalized the first word in every sentence.

* I have capitalized people and pet names.

* I have capitalized months and days.

* I have capitalized cities, provinces, and places.

* I have capitalized titles of books, movies, etcetera

Word Choice

* Every word seems just right.

* I used a lot of describing words (adjectives and adverbs).

* I use strong verbs like darted and exclaimed.

* I used synonyms to add variety.

Ideas

*I used brainstorming or a story map to create and organize ideas.

* My ideas are written in my own words.

* My paper is clear and focused. I stay on target.

* I understand my topic.

* My details give the reader important information.

* My ideas relate to one another.

* I have listened to suggestions from the teacher or peer writers.

Basic

Marginal

Advanced

Proficiency

Writing Process

- Little evidence of plan/focus.

- Little evidence of revision.

- Little attempt at editing.

- Some evidence of plan/focus.

- Some evidence of revision.

- Some attempt at editing.

- Much evidence of plan/focus.

- Much evidence of revision.

- Much attempt at editing

- Plan improves overall quality of work.

- Revisions improve overall quality of work.

- Effective editing

Storyline-Development of Focus/ Theme

- Many ideas do not relate to theme.

- Some details, supporting information, arguments are missing or lacking direction.

- The communicative purpose is insufficiently acieved.

- Develops ideas that usually relate to the focus/theme.

-Some details, supporting information, arguments

are given.

- The communicative purpose is mostly achieved, but the response is given in an ordinary, functional form

- Develops ideas so that they relate to the focus/theme.

- Sufficient details, supporting information, arguments are given.

- The communicative purpose is mostly achieved, but the response is given in an interesting, creative form

- Develops ideas clearly relating to the focus/theme.

- All the details, supporting information, arguments are exceptionally related to the topic.

- The communicative purpose is mostly achieved, but the response is given in a, creative form.

Organization - Logical order or sequence is maintained

- Paragraphs deal with one subject

- Logical transitions are made within sentences and between paragraphs

-Introduction, main body, conclusion are evident

Confused organization

Inconsistent organization

Logical and appropriate organization

Obviously controlled and/or subtle organization

Word Choices/ Styles:

- Precise language

- Effective word choice

- Voice, tone, originality of language

- Variety of sentence structures, types, and lengths

Lack of sentence and word choice variety

Limited sentence variety and word choice

Precision and variety in sentence structure and work choice

Writer’s voice apparent in tone, sentence structure, and word choice

Conventions:

- Mechanics

-Grammar

-Word Usage (verb tense, subject/verb, noun/ pronoun, agreement, etc.)

-capitalization punctuation

- Sentence completeness

Mechanical and usage errors that seriously interfere with the writer's purpose

Repeated weaknesses in mechanics and usage

Some mechanical and usage errors

Few mechanical and usage errors