4 Steps to Essay Writing (and a Grading Rubric)

4-steps to Essay Writing (and Rubric)

 
 Four Steps for Writing a Short Essay:
  1. Using a word processor or presentation tool (like Microsoft Word or Powerpoint), develop a structured paper (introduce, develop, conclude) as follows:

    • Clearly define at least three main points/topics in the introduction (opening paragraph).
    • Thoroughly develop each of the three topics, and be sure to cite your online references (web addresses) so I can go back and see where you got your information from.
    • Summarize the key points in your concluding paragraph.

  2. Be sure not to illegally copy (plagarize) anyone elses information, but you may use "quotes" and cite the web address when appropriate. This applies to pictures/images as well as text.

  3. Provide illustrations when appropriate.

  4. Be sure to explain things simply (so grandma can understand)!

 

 

Scoring Rubric for "Writing to Inform"

Although not all of the essays you write will be graded for CIM, it is important to understand that your  instructor will still be looking at the four elements and evaluation criteria below with they evaluate your essay. The point value may differ from the chart below, as these points are just a guide for CIM certification.

Scores for all four elements (left column) must be at least a 4 to pass the CIM.
Scores must be.at least a 3 to pass the Writing Proficiency. Scores of 1 or 2 are not passing.

Element

Evaluation Criteria

Points

 Earned Assessment
Self
Teacher

 

 

Development

Writer provides accurate, specific, purposeful information that is extended and expanded to fully explain the topic.

Writer provides information that adequately explains the topic with some extension of ideas. The information is usually accurate and purposeful.

4

3

    

Writer provides information that inadequately explains the topic. The information is sometimes inaccurate, general or extraneous.

Writer provides insufficient information to explain the topic. The information provided may be vague or inaccurate.

2

1

Organization

Writer establishes an organizational plan (introduce, develop, and conclusion) and consistently maintains it.

Writer establishes and maintains an organizational plan (introduce, develop, and conclusion), but the plan may have some minor flaws.

4

3

    

Writer generally establishes and maintains an organizational plan (introduce, develop, and conclusion).

Writer either did not establish an organizational plan (introduce, develop, and conclusion) or, if an organizational plan is established, it is only minimally maintained

2

1

Attention to
Audience

Writer provides information relevant to the needs of the audience.

Writer provides information most of which is relevant to the needs of the audience.

4

3

    

Writer provides some information relevant to the needs of the audience.

Writer did not provide information relevant to the needs of the audience.

2

1

Language

Writer consistently provides language choices to enhance the text.

Writer frequently uses language choices to enhance the text.

4

3

    

Writer sometimes uses language choices to enhance the text.

Writer seldom, if ever, uses language choices to enhance the text.

2

1

   Total

    

 

 
 

 

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