Journal Writing Rubric

What Does Mrs. Phippen Expect When I Write in my Journal?

Always write in paragraphs.

In your first paragraph, restate the question in your own words.

Your topic sentence should express the subject and the opinion your paper will express. (Topic + opinion = Thesis statement).

You should have at least 2 reasons, details, facts, examples or details, etc. that show why you think what you do. Your details should examine Why does this (detail) matter? and What does this (detail) show? Details can answer any of the following: who, what, when, where, and why. You should have at least 2 details PER PARAGRAPH.

You should always have a conclusion---and this does not have to be a separate paragraph. It should be a full sentence that summarizes the main idea in your journal write.

Extra Credit for Journal Writes

You may type your journal writes for up to 5 extra points per journal write. Your grammar and spelling will also often improve because of typing. Grammar, spelling, and paragraphing are critical when typing, and using a font with both upper and lower case is required. Please use an easy-to-read, standard size font. "Cutesy" font-type styles are usually not appropriate for the body of your journal write, but are acceptable for the title of your journal write.