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Writing conventions rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This writing conventions rubric scores only the mechanics of a piece: capitals, punctuation, spelling, grammar and usage, and complete sentences. Use it beside a content rubric so ideas and editing get separate scores. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, and 6–8 adds commas, quotes and proofreading. K–2 uses three plain levels a child can check on their own. Print it, or open it in the rubric maker to change any cell.

Written for Peabody Teach. Checked . Free to print, copy and change.

Writing conventions rubric, grades K–2

3 levels, 4 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).

Writing conventions rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
CapitalsEvery sentence and every name starts with a capital.Most sentences start with a capital.I forget capitals.
End marksEvery sentence ends with a period, question mark or exclamation mark.Most sentences have an end mark.I forget end marks.
SpellingI spell word wall words right and sound out new words.I spell some word wall words right.My words are hard to read.
SpacesI leave a space between every word.I leave spaces between most words.My words run together.
Open in the maker
  • I can use capitals at the start and for names.
  • I can end each sentence with a mark.
  • I can spell word wall words and sound out new ones.
  • I can leave spaces between words.

Writing conventions rubric, grades 3–5

4 levels, 5 criteria, 20 points in all.

Writing conventions rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 20
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
CapitalizationCorrect capitals for sentences, proper nouns and titles throughout.Correct capitals with one or two slips.Several capitalization errors.Capitals are often missing or wrong./ 4
PunctuationEnd marks, commas in lists, apostrophes and dialogue marks are correct.End marks are correct; a few comma or apostrophe slips.Several punctuation errors.Punctuation is missing or wrong throughout./ 4
SpellingGrade-level and common words are spelled correctly.Most words are spelled correctly.Many common words are misspelled.Spelling makes the writing hard to read./ 4
Grammar and usageVerb tense, agreement and pronouns are correct throughout.Mostly correct with a few slips.Several grammar errors.Grammar errors make it hard to follow./ 4
SentencesComplete sentences of different lengths; no run-ons or fragments.Complete sentences with one run-on or fragment.Several run-ons or fragments.Few complete sentences./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can capitalize sentences, names, places and titles.
  • I can use end marks, commas and apostrophes correctly.
  • I can spell grade-level words correctly.
  • I can use correct verb tense and subject-verb agreement.
  • I can write complete sentences without run-ons.

Writing conventions rubric, grades 6–8

4 levels, 6 criteria, 24 points in all.

Writing conventions rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
CapitalizationFlawless capitals, including titles, proper adjectives and quotes.Correct capitals with rare slips.Several capitalization errors.Frequent capitalization errors./ 4
PunctuationCommas after introductory parts, quotes, semicolons and colons are all used correctly.Commas and quotation marks are mostly correct.Comma errors and splices appear often.Punctuation errors throughout./ 4
SpellingGrade-level, subject and commonly confused words are spelled correctly.A few misspellings, mostly of hard words.Several misspellings, including common words.Frequent misspellings./ 4
Grammar and usageConsistent tense, clear pronoun reference and correct word forms throughout.Mostly correct with a few slips.Tense shifts or unclear pronouns in places.Grammar errors get in the way of meaning./ 4
Sentence structureSimple, compound and complex sentences, all correct; no run-ons or fragments.Some variety; one or two errors.Little variety; several run-ons or fragments.Many sentence errors./ 4
ProofreadingClear evidence of careful proofreading; final copy is clean.Most errors caught and fixed.Some proofreading; many errors remain.No sign of proofreading./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can capitalize correctly, including titles and proper adjectives.
  • I can use commas, quotation marks, semicolons and colons correctly.
  • I can spell grade-level and subject words correctly.
  • I can use consistent tense, clear pronouns and correct word forms.
  • I can write varied, correct sentences.
  • I can proofread my own work and fix errors.

When to use it

  • The editing step of any writing piece, scored apart from ideas and organization.
  • As a student self-edit checklist before turning work in.
  • To track one convention across the year, such as end marks in first grade.

What to say to students

  • Read your writing out loud, slowly, with a finger under each word.
  • Check every sentence for a capital at the start and a mark at the end.
  • Circle words you are not sure how to spell, then check them.
  • Make sure each sentence is a whole thought.

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The criteria are generic and written for this site, with no standards codes, so they fit any curriculum. Open one in the maker to change a word, add a row or switch to a single-point rubric; what you change stays in your browser.