Language Arts: English 097/099 Portfolio Rubric

A portfolio is a collection of a student's best work, and must include three typed (or computer-printed) essays, plus one original bluebook of timed, in-class writing. Late, untyped, plagiarized, or incomplete portfolios fail automatically; others are scored from 4 (highest) to 1 (lowest). To move from 097 into 099 requires a 3 from each of two faculty readers; to move from 099 to 101 requires two 4's.

essays scoring 4 contain

• a clear, engaging thesis characterized by critical thinking
• an organized, defined structure which proceeds smoothly and logically
• developed paragraphs linked by effective transitions
• specific support for thesis, including concrete examples, details, and precise terms
• sentences varied in length and structure, avoiding run-ons and fragments
• a complete response to all terms of the assignment
• effective presentation of ideas, using college-level diction, style, and format

essays scoring 3 contain

• a thesis, even if lacking adequate development or originality
• relevant support for the thesis
• an organized, if simplistic, structure
• distinct paragraphs with some transitions
• complete sentences with few, if any, run-ons or fragments
• an overall readability, avoiding distractions caused by grammatical errors

essays scoring 2 contain

• an unsupported or trivial thesis
• a careless, rambling structure
• short paragraphs, disorganized paragraphs, or no paragraphs
• uncontrolled sentences, often as run-ons or fragments
• limited or inappropriate diction
• grammatical errors frequent or serious enough to distract from content

essays scoring 1 contain

• no thesis
• chaotic structure
• no paragraphs
• consistent lack of semantic control
• extremely limited diction
• serious grammatical errors throughout causing confusion