RAFT Science Lab

Your Mission: Write a persuasive essay that convinces NASA to purchase your prototype rocket.

R – Scientist developing a new rocket prototype

A – NASA Jet Propulsion Lab Scientists

F – Official Report/Proposal – formal language

T – Purchase of Rocket Design by NASA

Trait	Advanced	Proficient	Basic	Minimal
Ideas Clear, well-developed, focused writing	Clear, well-selected details support the main idea A strong main idea   10     9.5      9.0	Thesis is recognizable Details help expand the main idea.  The reader may have some questions     8.5         8.0	Unclear thesis Skimpy support or description    7.5        7.0	No thesis Specifics are missing.      6.5       6.0
Organization Logical order	Inviting intro & satisfying conclusion All elements seem to fit where they are placed; nothing feels out of order Smooth transitions   10     9.5      9.0	Intro & conclusion present Most elements fit where they are placed Transitions present 8.5         8.0	Intro or conclusion is ineffective to guide the readers Some elements do NOT fit where they are placed Unclear transitions     7.5        7.0	No lead or conclusion No transitions      6.5        6.0
Voice Unique perspective of a scientific writer	The voice is totally appropriate for the purpose, topic, and audience Formal third person perspective (no you, I, we, etc…)      5.0     4.5	Voice is reasonably appropriate for the purpose, topic, and audience Some second or first person used            4.0	Voice may be missing or inappropriate for audience and purpose Disproportionate use of second or first person            3.5	Not written in third person formal voice Sounds informal Inappropriate slang used           3.0
Word Choice Precise, descriptive language	Each word is clear and defined, directly or in context. The writer writes to clarify.      5.0     4.5	Distinctive phrasing is evident, though the piece may include some clichés, wordiness, jargon, or redundancy.            4.0	Clichés, vague phrases, wordiness, and jargon or redundancy are likely to be problems.            3.5	Clichés, vague phrasing, wordiness, jargon, or redundancy are common problems and block meaning.            3.0
Sentence Fluency Rhythm & flow of language	Almost every sentence begins differently Sentences vary in structure and length.      5.0     4.5	Many sentences begin differently Some variation in sentence length and style is also evident.            4.0	Some sentences begin differently.  Sentences tend to be similar in length; variety is rare.            3.5	Sentences tend to begin the same way, with little or no variety. Sentences are similar in length.             3.0
Conventions Grammar, punctuation, & spelling	Grammar and usage correct and contribute to clarity, style. The piece is very close to being ready to publish.      5.0     4.5	Problems with grammar doesn’t distort meaning,  but not always correct Moderate editing required to publish.             4.0	Errors in grammar occasionally disrupt meaning. Much editing required to publish.      3.5	Errors in usage are very noticeable, frequent & affect meaning Extensive editing required for clarification and for publication.              3.0