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OPIE Composition Rubric

This is a rubric used for the OPIE Composition Test at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University.

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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 have completed their English language proficiency requirements and are eligible for ENG 1610.