Assessment of Writing

Teaching students to write effectively is one of the greatest challenges a teacher will face. Writing comprises many components that must be synthesized into a final product. This section is designed to take the concept of writing and make it measurable and specific. Assessment of writing mechanics and content can help the teacher prepare differentiated lessons to improve student performance.

In this section, you will explore web sites that offer assessment strategies for you to use as you evaluate your students' writings. Then you will create your own rubric. But first you will review a chart on Bloom's Taxonomy as it applies to the assessment of writing content. Click on A Rubric for Thinking through Writing: Bloom's Taxonomy to begin.

A Rubric for Thinking through Writing: Bloom's Taxonomy

Pre-Knowledge Level	The writing sample exhibits no memory of previously-learned materials.
Knowledge Level The writer's purpose could be summed up mostly with one of these verbs: List Define Label Tell Explain	The writing sample exhibits memory of previously-learned material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts, or answers.
Comprehension Level The writer's purpose could be summed up mostly with one of these verbs: Demonstrate Illustrate (with words) Extend Relate Translate	The writing sample demonstrates an understanding of facts through its giving of descriptions, its providing of good examples, or its use of a main idea alongside sub-ideas.
Application Level The writer's purpose could be summed up mostly with one of these verbs: Apply Develop Utilize Solve Construct	The writing sample demonstrates an understanding of applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques, or rules in a real-world way.
Analysis Level The writer's purpose could be summed up mostly with one of these verbs: Compare and Contrast Categorize Classify Dissect Inspect	The writing sample examines and breaks information into parts, identifies causes and effects, or identifies evidence to support generalizations.
Synthesis Level The writer's purpose could be summed up mostly with one of these verbs: Create Improve upon Modify Develop Solve for	The writing sample compiles learned information in a unique way by combining ideas into new patterns or proposing new solutions.
Evaluation Level The writer's purpose could be summed up mostly with one of these verbs: Criticize Defend Recommend Appraise Prioritize	The writing sample presents and defends original opinions by making thoughtful judgments about learned information, validity of ideas, or quality of work based on explained criteria.