Evaluating Supporting Details in Writing

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 Creating and Using Rubrics for advice on using rubrics in class.