Writing Contest Rubric
Criteria
Category
Excellent
4
Good
3
Fair
2
Did Not Meet
1
Score:
Organization
The message
engages the
audience
The message is
somewhat
engaging
The message is
slightly
engaging
The message
does not
engage the
audience
Ideas (Originality)
Essay captures
and maintains
the reader’s
attention
Essay captures
the reader’s
attention but
does not
maintain it
throughout
Essay does not
capture the
reader’s
attention right
away but
includes
interesting
details
Essay does not
capture nor
maintain the
reader’s
attention
Literary style,
grammar and
spelling
Literary style
completely
clear and
effective,
excellent
grammar and
spelling
Literary style
partially
clear and
effective,
good grammar
&
spelling
Use of literary
technique to
convey main
ideas but
lacking clarity
Lacks use of
literary
technique
Voice
Writer’s unique
perspective is
very evident
Writer’s unique
perspective is
evident
Writer’s unique
perspective is
somewhat
evident
Writer’s
unique
perspective is
not evident
