Rubric

"This I Believe" Scoring Rubric: Essay/Podcast, Reading, and Responses
Interesting opener Clear focus Effective wrap-up || The **opener** engages the reader and creates interest. Thesis clearly states a significant and compelling **belief**. Insight into the writer's values shown via detail || The essay is **thoughtful** or **insightful**, with complexity of thought. The main focus of the essay is well supported by **interesting and vivid details** (show vs. tell). The essay makes **connections** between beliefs and experience. ||  ||   || Language engages the reader throughout || The writer **effectively communicates** ideas and impressions. The writing **sounds natural and original**. The essay is honest and enthusiastic. The **reader** feels a strong sense of interaction with the writer and senses the person behind the words. ||  ||   || The **second response** comments on specific parts of the essay, asks questions, makes suggestions, or shows how the reader relates to the author's ideas and experiences. ||  ||   ||  Return to Main Page
 * **Category** || **Description of Writing Quality** || **Rating/8** || **Total Points** ||
 * **Organization**
 * Closing** effectively wraps up and goes beyond restating the thesis. ||
 * **Development**
 * **Voice**
 * **Reading** || The author reads in a **natural tone** and with an expressive voice. The enunciation and rate of reading are effective. ||  ||   ||
 * **Responses** || The **first response** comments on specific parts of the essay, asks questions, makes suggestions, or shows how the reader relates to the author's ideas and experiences.
 * **Responses** || The **first response** comments on specific parts of the essay, asks questions, makes suggestions, or shows how the reader relates to the author's ideas and experiences.
 * || **Final Grade** || /48 ||  ||