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TCAP Writing Student Checklist
A one-page student checklist for TCAP ELA writing in grades 4–8 and English I and II: the four traits scored 1 to 4, the evidence rule, and what the top score asks for.
For students · Grades 4–8 · English I and II · 1 page · PDF
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How to use it: TCAP Writing Explained: A Guide for Tennessee ELA Teachers
What's on the sheet
How each response is scored
| Trait | Points |
|---|---|
| Focus & Organization | 1–4 |
| Development | 1–4 |
| Language | 1–4 |
| Conventions | 1–4 |
| Total | 16 |
Evidence comes from the passage
An essay built on “mostly/only personal knowledge” lands in the lowest Development row.
Evidence means facts, definitions, details or quotations from the passages.
The prompt is opinion (grades 4–5) or argument, informational/explanatory, or narrative. In spring 2027 one prompt is a field test, and you won't know which, so give every prompt your full effort.
Focus & Organization
- My introduction and conclusion are effective.
- My argument or main idea is clear, and I stay focused on it.
- The connections among my claim, reasons and evidence are clear.
- Argument, grades 6–8: I acknowledged a counterclaim. Grade 8: I refuted it.
Development
- My evidence from the passages is well chosen and there’s enough of it.
- I explained each piece of evidence thoroughly.
Language
- My vocabulary is precise, and my sentences are varied.
- I used varied transitions and a formal style.
Conventions
- I proofread, so any errors are minor and don’t get in the way of my meaning.
My plan
My claim or main idea
Evidence from the passages
How it supports my claim
Grade 3 is scored on two traits, 1–4 each. Rubrics are applied as a whole, not as a checklist. Student summary based on TDOE's TCAP writing rubrics (grades 6–8 argument rubric shown); not an official TDOE document.