This is a rubric used for the OPIE Composition Test at Ohio University.
Find the category that is the best fit for the composition. Not all descriptors need to match exactly.
Elementary Levels
1A (Foundations)
- Sentences not related to each other and/or not related to topic
- Serious difficulties with basic spelling and the formation of letters
- Blank page or language copied directly from the topic sheet
- Unintelligible phrases
1B (Elementary)
- Sentences do relate to the topic in some way
- Lacks mastery of simple sentence patterns (SVO with S-V agreement)
- Repetition of very simple vocabulary
- Sentences ungrammatical but somewhat intelligible
Intermediate Levels
2A (Intermediate)
- Topic not successfully divided into non-overlapping sub-points
- Lacks overall successful paragraph structure
- A number of different ideas relating to the topic
- Some attempt at sentence complexity (connected clauses, multi-word phrases)
2B (High Intermediate)
- Topic somewhat successfully divided into non-overlapping sub-points
- Several elements of successful paragraph structure present
- Attempt at using a variety of vocabulary to express ideas
- At least a small degree of grammatical accuracy and sentence complexity
Advanced Levels
3A (Advanced)
- One or more meaningful paragraphs containing main points and limited relevant support
- Attempt at various types of sentence complexity
- Some precise vocabulary
- Serious grammar errors still obstruct readability to some degree
3B (Pre-Academic)
- A clear objective with main points and limited relevant support
- Some control of sophisticated grammatical structures and sentence complexity
- Some successful transitional words and phrases
- Significant grammar errors still obstruct readability to some degree
Bridge Levels
4 (Pathway Program Level 1/Academic Combined Skills 1)
- Clear objective with well-organized main points and multiple supporting details
- Sufficient control of complex grammatical structures
- Some academic vocabulary
- Local errors, such as word form and verb form, detract from readability
5 (Pathway Program Level 2/Academic Combined Skills 2)
- Use of correct academic register with occasional lapses
- Maintains consistent time frames through appropriate use of verb tenses
- Complex, sophisticated development of ideas
- Occasional language difficulties still a distraction
Full-Time Academic
6
- Ideas may still need development, but language itself not a significant hindrance
- Content is clear and is not obstructed by language difficulties
- Accurate, effective use of academic vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Occasional surface errors come as a surprise amid otherwise smooth writing
Notes
- Graduate students who earn a Composition score of at least 4 and a TOEFL score of 525-549 are eligible to take OPIE Graduate Electives.
- Graduate students who earn a Composition score of at least 5 and a TOEFL score of at least 550 are eligible for full-time academic studies with no additional English requirements.
- Undergraduate students who earn a Composition score of 5 and a TOEFL score of at least 520 (or 525 for Business majors) have completed their English language proficiency requirements and are eligible for ENG D160.
- Undergraduate students who earn a Composition score of 6 and a TOEFL score of at least 520 (or 525 for Business majors) have completed their English language proficiency requirements and are eligible for ENG 1610.