Pitch Rubric	4 Points: Exceeds Standards	3 Points: Meets Standards	2 Points: Needs Improvement	1 Point: Far Below Standards
Content	Engages the reader’s interest in  reading the proposed article Enthusiastically presents the value of the article Clearly presents writer’s credentials and sources of information Specifically sketches out the layout and number of graphics, sidebars and text Closes the pitch appropriately	Engages the reader’s interest in reading about the subject of the proposed article. Presents the value of the article to the readers Presents writer’s credentials and mentions sources Sketches out the layout of graphics, sidebar and text Closes the pitch appropriately	Engages the reader’s interest in subject of proposed article Presents writer’s credentials Mentions layout Closes pitch	Introduces the subject of the article Focuses on own evaluation of subject May focus entirely on subject May not mention graphics and layout May not close pitch
Form: Structure	Uses clear organization with strong transitions Is directed to a specific audience Paragraphs focus on clear topics and fully explain concepts	Some organization with transitions Paragraphs focus on topics and introduce concepts	Some organization Paragraphs have some focus	May not have organization May not have clear transitions or paragraph breaks Paragraphs may not have focus
Conventions: Grammar	Less than 5 surface errors: spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.	Less than 10 surface errors: spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.	Less than 15 surface errors: spelling, punctuation and capitalization.	Over 15 surface errors Errors may impede reader’s understanding