SEPTEMBER 2026 · 10 POINTS
The Writing Rubric
The Aim Response, our weekly writing task, is scored out of 10. You get 8 points for “doing the things.” The last two points are for how much your argument builds: the quality of your analysis and development.
“Our weekly writing task” is an appositive: it renames “The Aim Response.”
Eight points for doing it
These are yes-or-no checks. Use the boxes to check your draft; they reset when you reload this page.
| Requirement | What counts | Check | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Words of the Day | All four, each inside a sentence. Any word from the root counts. | ½ each | 2 |
| Appositives | Two. Each is a noun phrase between commas that renames the noun before it. | 1 each | 2 |
| Quotes, Explained and Analyzed | Two. Each is copied exactly, in quotation marks, with its citation: (OPT 27), (YPT 14), or (Syllabus 16). Then a sentence on what it says and a sentence on what it shows. | 1 each | 2 |
| Key Idea | One of the three is named, with a sentence on how this week’s evidence shows it. | 1 named, 1 explained | 2 |
Use (YPT page) for every quotation from this site’s Takaki reader. The rubric also shows how to name other assigned sources; a syllabus quotation keeps its Syllabus citation.
Two points for how much it builds
Development: How much does your argument build? Scored against you. Half points exist. This is the only quality row.
It does not build. The pieces are there, but each sentence stands alone.
It builds in places. Some sentences push the answer forward, and some only fill a slot.
It builds all the way. Every sentence pushes the answer forward, from the first to the last.
Read each sentence and ask: what does this add to my answer? A connector earns its place by showing a real relationship. Adding connector words alone does not earn the development points.
The Development Toolkit
Basics
Contrast, result, reason
But
Adds a contrast.
It rained, but we kept playing outside.
So
Shows a result.
It rained, so we ran inside.
Because
Gives a reason.
We ran inside because it rained.
Conditionals
Three versions of if
If
Names a condition.
If it rains, we run inside.
Unless
Means if not.
Unless it rains, we stay outside.
When
Means if with expectation.
When it rains, we run inside.
Fancy Buts
Three versions of but
Despite
Takes a noun phrase.
Despite the rain, we kept our plans.
Although
Takes a subject and a verb.
Although it rained, we stayed outside.
However
Starts a new sentence.
It rained. However, we kept playing outside.
These are the patterns and short examples from the class rubric. In your own paragraph, make the contrast, condition, or result clear in context.