Page 294 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

RUBRIC

Table 11.2 Performance Levels for Writing

Level 5—Professional Writers

1. Produce exceptionally valuable written works; their thesis statements are clear and easy to understand
2. Show the greatest level of mastery of the discipline and use the strongest supporting evidence
3. Discuss rich or complex ideas with great credibility and facility, expressing arguments in ways that are both

logical and satisfying
4. Clearly present and synthesize all competing and complementary perspectives
5. Model the standards of discourse for the discipline in style, format, use of language, and overall writing quality

Level 4—Scholarly Writers

1. Produce writings that convey ideas that readers will use and reference
2. Show mastery in a specific area of their field and can support their ideas with strong evidence within their area

of expertise
3. Express new ideas to all audiences in a form that flows logically and is difficult to challenge
4. Analyze competing and complementary ideas well enough to demonstrate a clear synthesis
5. Employ the language of their field appropriately; the reader finds the writing style clear and credible

Level 3—Competent Writers

1. Produce an effective and meaningful thesis that connects with the audience
2. Have a foundational understanding of key concepts and can support these concepts with credible sources
3. Articulate their ideas clearly; their premises lead to solid conclusions
4. Are proficient in identifying competing or complementary ideas within the synthesis and conclusion
5. Clearly and accurately explain the concepts used in their field, and apply appropriate style, format, and quality

conventions expected by the audience

Level 2—Apprentice Writers

1. Present clear thesis statements that interest readers somewhat
2. Introduce a few key ideas that connect and support these ideas with key references
3. Discuss the key concepts, but do not necessarily connect them clearly to a conclusion
4. Present a few competing or complementary ideas and are able to recognize the dilemmas they present
5. Are familiar with the writing conventions of their field but use jargon to attempt to gain credibility and to mask

flaws in understanding

Level 1—Novice Writers

1. Write thesis statements that are unclear or only partially articulated and which, as a consequence, barely
connect with their audience

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the most basic concepts and support their ideas with the most obvious
references, or references of questionable credibility

3. Explain some of the concepts or ideas, employ some supporting evidence, and show some sense of structure
by adding a conclusion

4. May identify at least one idea that contradicts the thesis and synthesize concepts to a minimal extent
5. Are minimally competent in using proper mechanics of writing and use the language of their field to a very

limited degree

288 Foundations of Learning