📝 Writing Rubric: Years 0-8 (Based on Te Mātaiaho English Curriculum)

Years 0-2 (Beginning Writers)

Writing to Inform:

• Uses pictures and simple words to share information

• Writes 1-2 simple sentences about familiar topics

• Beginning to use capital letters and full stops

Writing to Persuade:

• Expresses simple opinions (I like... I think...)

• Uses basic reasons (because...)

• Simple sentences of 3-6 words

Writing to Entertain:

• Creates simple stories with beginning, middle, end

• Uses familiar characters and settings

• Simple sentence structures

Composition & Language:

• Writes simple sentences (subject + verb)

• Uses high-frequency words correctly

• Beginning sound-letter relationships

Years 3-4 (Developing Writers)

Writing to Inform:

• Writes clear facts and instructions

• Uses headings and simple organisation

• Sentences of 6-10 words, mostly simple sentences

Writing to Persuade:

• States clear opinions with supporting reasons

• Uses persuasive words (should, must, best)

• Beginning to use compound sentences (and, but)

Writing to Entertain:

• Develops characters and settings with detail

• Uses dialogue and descriptive language

• Varies sentence beginnings

Composition & Language:

• Uses simple and compound sentences

• Correct punctuation (. ! ?)

• Spelling common words accurately

Years 5-6 (Confident Writers)

Writing to Inform:

• Organises information in paragraphs

• Uses topic sentences and supporting details

• Sentences of 8-15 words, mix of simple and compound

Writing to Persuade:

• Presents logical arguments with evidence

• Uses persuasive techniques and emotive language

• Beginning complex sentences (because, although, when)

Writing to Entertain:

• Creates engaging plots with conflict and resolution

• Uses literary devices (similes, metaphors)

• Varies sentence length for effect

Composition & Language:

• Uses simple, compound, and basic complex sentences

• Correct use of commas and apostrophes

• Expanding vocabulary and precise word choice

Years 7-8 (Advanced Writers)

Writing to Inform:

• Structures information logically with clear introduction and conclusion

• Uses formal language and technical vocabulary

• Complex sentences of 12-20+ words with subordinate clauses

Writing to Persuade:

• Develops sophisticated arguments with counter-arguments

• Uses rhetorical questions and persuasive techniques

• Complex sentences with multiple clauses

Writing to Entertain:

• Creates sophisticated narratives with themes

• Uses advanced literary techniques

• Sophisticated sentence structures for dramatic effect

Composition & Language:

• Masters complex sentence structures with embedded clauses

• Uses advanced punctuation (semicolons, colons, dashes)

• Demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary and style

📋 Assessment & Comments

Teacher Comments:

Student Self-Assessment:

What I did well: ________________________

What I want to improve: ________________________

My writing goal: ________________________

Overall Achievement Level:

Working Towards Expected Level

At Expected Level

Above Expected Level

Well Above Expected Level

Writing Rubric Years 0-8

Writing Rubric Years 0-8