Opinion Verdict Rubric
Grade 3 • CKLA Unit 1 CCSS W.3.1 Opinion Writing
Opinion Rubric
Total Score _____ / 20
Student:
Date:
Evaluator:
Prompt: State an opinion on the topic or text and support it with reasons and evidence.
| Criterion |
4 • Exemplary 4 pts
|
3 • Proficient Target • 3 pts
|
2 • Developing 2 pts
|
1 • Beginning 1 pt
|
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|
Opinion & Topic
W.3.1.a | Engages reader with a strong hook; introduces topic clearly and states an explicit, persuasive opinion. | Introduces the topic clearly and clearly states the writer's opinion. | Topic is mentioned, but opinion is unclear, incomplete, or hard to identify. | Does not introduce topic or does not state an opinion. |
|
Reasons & Evidence
W.3.1.b | Provides 3 or more distinct, convincing reasons supported by vivid facts, text details, or examples. | Provides at least 2 clear, distinct reasons that directly support the opinion with relevant details. | Provides only 1 reason or gives reasons that are vague, repetitive, or lack support. | Gives off-topic reasons or lacks support for the stated opinion. |
|
Transition Words
W.3.1.c | Skilled use of varied transition words (because, for example, also, therefore, in addition) for seamless flow. | Effectively uses transition words (because, also, since, for example) to connect reasons to the opinion. | Uses 1 transition word repeatedly (e.g., only "and" or "because") or connections feel abrupt. | No transition words used; ideas appear disconnected or random. |
|
Conclusion
W.3.1.d | Provides an impactful conclusion that restates the opinion in fresh words and leaves a lasting thought. | Provides a clear concluding sentence that wraps up the paragraph and reinforces the opinion. | Conclusion is an exact repetition of the first sentence or ends abruptly without closure. | Missing a concluding statement; piece stops without finishing. |
|
Conventions
L.3.1 / L.3.2 | Consistently writes complete simple and compound sentences with correct capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. | Writes complete sentences with few errors in capitalization, end punctuation, or grade 3 spelling. | Frequent run-ons or fragments; errors in punctuation or spelling occasionally distract the reader. | Severe errors in sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling make the writing difficult to understand. |
Performance Scale
18 – 20 pts Exemplary (4)
14 – 17 pts Proficient (3)
10 – 13 pts Developing (2)
5 – 9 pts Beginning (1)
Target standard for Grade 3 mastery is a composite score of 14 or above (all criteria at Level 3).
Glow • Strengths
Grow • Next Steps
Student Conference Date: _______________ Student Initial: _______
