Evaluating Supporting Details in Writing

Directions:

A. Number the details you decided to evaluate.

B. For each detail:

1. Evaluate it on items 1 - 6.
2. Read the paragraph the detail is in and list the types of error types in that one paragraph.

C. Make a few overall comments and suggestions to help the writer improve this essay.

Writing Error Key

1. Sentence fragment
2. Run On Sentence
3. String-a-long sentence
4. Meaning unclear
5. Pronoun referent unclear
6. Subject and verb don’t agree in number
7. Pronoun inconsistent with the noun it refers to in number (singular/plural)
8. Voice inconsistent (switching between first and third person)
9. Needs More Transition Words
10. Verb Tenses change inappropriately
11. Pronoun is in the wrong case. (Subject/object)

Detail 1. Type of Detail: (Circle one) Fact - Statistic - Example - Narrative - Testimonial

I. Give each item a score between 1 and 5. (Use 5 being as highest score.)

1. ______ The detail shows the idea is true or important.
2. ______ The detail is believable.
3. ______ The detail is specific and colorful
4. ______ The detail is written without errors in conventions (grammar, punctuation & spelling).
5. ______ The detail is written using appropriate transition words.
6. ______ The detail is written using a variety of sentence patterns.

II. List the types of writing errors in this paragraph using the numbers from the Writing Errors Key above.

Detail 2. Type of Detail: (Circle one) Fact - Statistic - Example - Narrative - Testimonial

I. Give each item a score between 1 and 5. (Use 5 being as highest score.)

1. ______ The detail shows the idea is true or important.
2. ______ The detail is believable.
3. ______ The detail is specific and colorful
4. ______ The detail is written without errors in conventions (grammar, punctuation & spelling).
5. ______ The detail is written using appropriate transition words.
6. ______ The detail is written using a variety of sentence patterns.

II. List the types of writing errors in this paragraph using the numbers from the Writing Errors Key above.

Detail 3. Type of Detail: (Circle one) Fact - Statistic - Example - Narrative - Testimonial

I. Give each item a score between 1 and 5. (Use 5 being as highest score.)

1. ______ The detail shows the idea is true or important.
2. ______ The detail is believable.
3. ______ The detail is specific and colorful
4. ______ The detail is written without errors in conventions (grammar, punctuation & spelling).
5. ______ The detail is written using appropriate transition words.
6. ______ The detail is written using a variety of sentence patterns.

II. List the types of writing errors in this paragraph using the numbers from the Writing Errors Key above.

Detail 4. Type of Detail: (Circle one) Fact - Statistic - Example - Narrative - Testimonial

I. Give each item a score between 1 and 5. (Use 5 being as highest score.)

1. ______ The detail shows the idea is true or important.
2. ______ The detail is believable.
3. ______ The detail is specific and colorful
4. ______ The detail is written without errors in conventions (grammar, punctuation & spelling).
5. ______ The detail is written using appropriate transition words.
6. ______ The detail is written using a variety of sentence patterns.

II. List the types of writing errors in this paragraph using the numbers from the Writing Errors Key above.

III. Overall comments and suggestions:

(To the evaluator: Take extra time to do this thoughtfully, as it is probably the most important part of this evaluation.)

Read Making Life Easier With Rubrics for advice on using rubrics in class.