1 Context and Purpose
for Writing
The ability to demonstrate an understanding of
the context and purpose for writing such that the
text has the writer’s intended effect on an
audience
Demonstrates no or minimal attention to
context, audience, purpose, and to the assigned
tasks(s) (e.g., expectation of instructor or self as
audience).
Demonstrates some awareness of context,
audience, purpose, and to the assigned tasks(s)
(e.g., begins to show awareness of audience’s
perceptions and assumptions).
Demonstrates adequate consideration of
context, audience, and purpose and a clear focus
on the assigned task(s) (e.g., the task aligns with
audience, purpose, and context).
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of
context, audience, and purpose that is
responsive to the assigned task(s) and focuses all
elements of the work.
2 Content Development The ability to use text to explore and represent a
topic in relation to its audience and purpose
Fails to use appropriate content development OR
uses appropriate and relevant content to
develop simple ideas in some parts of the work.
Uses appropriate and relevant content to
develop and explore ideas through most of the
work.
Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling
content to explore ideas within the context of
the discipline and shape the whole work.
Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling
content to illustrate mastery of the subject,
conveying the writer’s understanding, and
shaping the whole work.
3 Genre and Disciplinary
Conventions
The ability to use formal and informal rules for
particular kinds of texts and/or media that guide
formatting, organization, and stylistic choices
appropriate for a specific academic field
Fails to use a system for organization OR
attempts to use a consistent system for basic
organization and presentation.
Follows expectations appropriate to a specific
discipline and/or writing task(s) for basic
organization, content, and presentation.
Demonstrates consistent use of important
conventions particular to a specific discipline
and/or writing task(s), including organization,
content, presentation, and stylistic choices.
Demonstrates detailed attention to and
successful execution of a wide range of
conventions particular to a specific discipline
and/or writing task (s) including organization,
content, presentation, formatting, and stylistic
choices.
4 Sources and Evidence The ability to use and source texts (written, oral,
behavioral, visual, or other) to extend, argue
with, develop, define, or shape the writer’s ideas
Fails to use sources OR demonstrates minimal
attempt to use sources to support ideas in the
writing.
Demonstrates an attempt to use credible and/or
relevant sources to support ideas that are
appropriate for the discipline and genre of the
writing.
Demonstrates consistent use of credible,
relevant sources to support ideas that are
situated within the discipline and genre of the
writing.
Demonstrates skillful use of high-quality,
credible, relevant sources to develop ideas that