Scoring Criteria

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Content

The student did not attempt the paper

Barely attempted.  There was a lack of understanding on what was asked to do.

Incomplete.  Student does not address question in appropriate manner, very little details

Appropriate style and format.  Well organized and clearly written.  Missing some details, or less than three questions scenarios are addressed

Well written and organized.  Contains vivid details, examples, descriptions, and insight.

Format of letter

Student did not attempt to write in a letter format

Student tried to write in a letter format but is missing something such as date, greeting, closure

Student used appropriate letter format, but did not answer 3 questions/and or scenarios

Appropriate letter format.  Answered 3 questions/scenarios but did not provide answers in paragraph form

Appropriate format.  3Questions/secarios answered in paragraph form.  Answers to questions are in paragraph form, as when writing a letter.

Details and descriptive writing

Student did not include any details in letter-off topic

Student provides minimal details.  Answers are not in paragraphs.

Some details but not very descriptive  Student did not give details for each question/scenario

Descriptive and vivid details for each question/scenario.  Student understands what life was like during that time period

Reading this letter seems like it’s authentic.  The details are vivid and clear-feels like the reader is there

Organization

Student did not attempt the assignment

Unorganized paragraphs.  Question is not answered in the paragraph, but is answered elsewhere in the letter or not at all

Ideas do not flow smoothly, Jump from one idea to the next within the same paragraph.

Generally well organized.  Some paragraphs don’t flow smoothly-rapid change in topic/ question

Paragraphs flow smoothly from one topic to the next.  There is a definite beginning and end.  Easy to follow

Appropriate questions answered or scenarios described

Student did not answer questions or describe the appropriate scenario

Student did not understand the questions to answer, but made an attempt

Student answered some of the questions, or described some scenarios, but did not answer or describe 3

Student answered 3 questions or scenarios but did not answer all completely.

3 questions/scenarios were answered in details.  Shows an understanding of life during the Gold Rush.

Mechanics

Student didn’t write a paper

The letter is poorly presented. Significant number of proofreading errors, sentence fragments, spelling error, and punctuation errors

The letter appears to have been proofread thoroughly.  Many errors in capitalization, punctuation and word usage.  Written in complete sentences but not in paragraphs

Generally well proofread, but has a few minor errors.

Excellent job proofreading.  No noticeable errors.