Creating rubrics is easy
Turn word processor into rubic maker

For forgetful people, like me, the Save As process has two steps. First, since I have five sections for most writing assignments, I save the original matrix five times, each time with a distinctive name, like “rubric section 1” and “rubric section 2”. Then I open each of the files in turn, delete all the material except the section I want to keep, and save the file again.

Section 1: header

When I'm creating rubrics for my writing assignments, Section 1 is always the top of the assessment rubrics where I put the student’s name, the date, assignment, and similar identifying material. The section below is made using a 5 column, 2-row table.

Section 2: content

Section 2 is where I’ll consider the organization and development of ideas. If there are certain elements that students must include in the assignment(s) for which I'm creating the rubric (a clear thesis statement or a definition, for example), I list them here.

Sometimes, I make a grade checkoff instead of a comment box in the content sections. That allows me to distinguish between items that are either included or not and items whose value can vary. In the sample below, you can see the essay either has a clear thesis or it does not. By contrast, the evidence presentation can range from not yet competent (-C) to far better than just competent ( C++).

Section 3: mechanics

Section 3 of my assessment rubrics is for writing mechanics. Here I list “counts off” problems and specify the maximum number of errors I will accept and still consider the work competent. If I’m preparing a rubric for something like a research paper, I may insert a second copy of the third matrix section to use for citation, bibliography, and formatting considerations.

Section 4: style

Section 4 is for stylistic elements such as fluency and idiomatic correctness.

Section 5: general comments.

Section 5 is always a “general comments” section in my writing assessment rubrics. This is where I suggest resources or options for tackling one or two major problems in the student's paper. I also put comments here about areas in which the student is showing improvement, particularly if the improvements don't result in instant grade increases.

3) Combine your generic sections; refine combo

Open the file that contains your top section (mine is rubric 1) and save a copy of it under a name you'll recognize as the rubric for a specific class or assignment.

Put in any changes you need. If you need more or fewer rows, use the appropriate add or delete commands in the drop-down Table menu.

When you finish making changes in that top section, place your cursor below that table. Use the insert file command (or whatever your word processor's equivalent is) to insert a copy of your second rubric section at the place where your cursor rests.

Type in whatever information is needed. Again, if you need more or fewer rows, use the appropriate add or delete commands in the drop-down Table menu.

When you finish your changes, put your cursor below that second table. Use the insert file command to insert a copy of your third rubric section. Again adjust the number of rows and type in necessary information.

Keep inserting files and updating the information until you all your edited rubric sections in a single file.

Delete any space between the table sections.

Voila! A complete assessment rubric, tailored to your specific needs in no time at all; you still have the untouched files to use for other projects.

See a persuasive essay rubric I made using my word processor as my tool for creating rubrics.

Creating rubrics takes more time than downloading someone else’s material; however, it’s a better use of your time than shooting at someone else’s target. What's more, creating rubrics is easy to do when you are preparing your year's goals and objectives (students aren't around then).

You do have annual writing objectives for your own targets, don't you?

More pages on the writing assessment thread

Return to the start of the assessment thread from this page about creating rubrics. Or choose from the list below one of the other topics on the thread: