Must haves...

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A Headline

No headline.

Headline is there, but it:

- isn’t really related to the article

-it doesn’t make sense

-it is not capitalized, it contains errors in conventions

Headline is there. It explains what the article is about.

Headline is there.

It explains what the article is about and makes you want to read it.

Headline is there.

It explains what the article is about and makes you want to read it.

It is witty.

A strong lead sentence.

No clear lead sentence.

The lead sentence is there, but it:

-contains errors

-is confusing

The lead sentence is there and it clearly lays out what the article is about.

There may be some errors.

The lead sentence is there and it is clear as well as engaging.

The lead sentence is there and it is clear as well as engaging.

It is cleverly worded and thought provoking.

At least 5 sentences that support/explain the headline and the lead sentence

Less than 5 sentences.

Sentences don’t back the lead sentence.

There are 5 sentences, but they do not really support the lead sentence.

There are 5 sentences that support the lead sentence with evidence.

The reader may still have questions when they finish reading.

There are 5 sentences that strongly support the lead sentence with evidence.

The reader is well informed about the topic after reading they finish reading.

There are 5 or more detailed sentences that strongly support the lead sentence with well researched evidence.

The reader is well informed after they finish reading.

The reader has an emotional response to what they have read.

Quotes from an interview source.

No quotes.

A quote is used.

The quote isn’t relevant.

The quote isn’t embedded correctly.

Two quotes that are embedded correctly in the text

Some quotes (3) that are embedded correctly in the text

Loads of quotes (4+)

that are well chosen and embedded correctly into the text

A concluding sentence.

No concluding sentence

A simple concluding sentence.

A concluding sentence that summarizes the article.

A concluding sentence that both summarizes the article and leaves the reader thinking.

A well crafted, thought provoking concluding sentence.

An illustration/photograph

No illustration/

picture

-Messy drawing

-Picture doesn’t reflect the content

-Drawing or picture that reflects the content

-Neatly drawn picture or well chosen picture adds to the story and connects with the content.

-2 or more pictures or pictures add to the story and connects with the content.

Follows the 6 Traits of Writing

(See Rubric)

Does not demonstrate the 6 traits of good writing.

Some of the traits are present

All 6 traits are present and are a 3

All 6 traits are present and are a 4

All 6 traits are present and are a 5