6 Traits Creative Writing Rubric

Trait/Area of Focus U PP P PH AIdeas and Content This section focuses on what your story is actually about, so the plot.

-The writer may have chosen a topic that is too big or one that he does not know a lot about.-The main idea or story is hard to figure out. The reader is left wondering what the writer was trying to say.-Much of the information does not relate to the main idea-Details are limited, repeated, or off topic

-The writer sticks to the topic most of the time. It might be better if the topic was smaller.-The reader can probably guess the main idea is.-Some of the information isn’t related to the main idea or story

-The writer understands the topic and narrows it fairly well.-The reader can tell what the main idea is.-Information is sometimes presented in a new and interesting way.-The writing has some well-chosen details to help explain the main idea.

-The writer has a well-defined and manageable topic.-It is easy for the reader to figure out the main idea.-Information shows insight into the topic.-The writer has carefully chosen details that clearly explain the main idea.-The story is fun to read.

-The writer has an extremely clear and focused topic.-The main idea is obvious to the reader.-The information makes connections and shows significant insight.-The writer has utilized relevant and precise details that go beyond the obvious.-The reader wants to read more about this story.

Organization This category is about whether or not the order of events in your story makes sense. There should be a clear intro, body and conclusion.

-There is not a clear structure or pattern; the writing goes off in many directions. -The introduction and conclusion are either missing or need work.-The story doesn’t flow in the way that makes sense to the reader.-A couple of transitions are used, but they don’t really connect things clearly.

-There is structure to the writing, but it may be too obvious and distract from the meaning.-An introduction and conclusion are included, but they need work.-Some events are out of order or are not needed.-Obvious transitions are used to connect some ideas.

-There is a structure to writing that fits the purpose. -An introduction and conclusion are both included in the story.-The order of events helps the reader understand the story.-Transitions connect most ideas together.

-The organizational structure works well for the topic, purpose, and audience.-The introduction introduces the reader to the story and the conclusion wraps up the story.-The sequence strengthens the message by having nothing out of place.-Transitions smoothly connect ideas.

-The organizational structure enhances and showcases the central idea or theme.-An inviting introduction draws the reader in and a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of closure.-The order of events is logical and effective with well controlled pacing.-Thoughtful transitions clearly show how ideas connect.

Word Choice This category focuses on the actual words you use, they should be descriptive and paint pictures in the reader’s mind.

-The writer uses words that leave the reader confused or unclear about the meaning.-Words are not specific or colorful, so they do not create a clear picture in the reader’s mind.-Overused words and expressions may greatly detract from the message.-Simple words are used, but the writing is still unclear.

-The writer uses words that get the message across, but only in an ordinary way.-Some active verbs or precise nouns are used that may create a picture in the reader’s mind, but usually the writer settles for just any word.-The writer may attempt to use a variety of words, but some do not fit.-Too many unneeded words make the writing feel cluttered.

-The writer chooses words that are clear; the writing makes sense.-Some strong verbs, adjectives, and adverbs are used but may not be enough to create a picture in the reader’s mind.-The writer uses a variety of words that seem to fit nicely.-The writing has some unneeded words or phrases to take out.

-The writer chooses words that will make the message clear and interesting to the reader.-Strong verbs, sensory words, and precise nouns are used in places that help create a picture in the reader’s mind.-The writer uses a wide variety of words that seem natural and not overdone.-There are no unnecessary words or phrases.

-The writer chooses powerful words that create a clear message and engage the reader.-Strong verbs, sensory words, precise nouns and modifiers are used to create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind.-The writer uses a wide variety of words or phrases skillfully placed that are natural and not overdone.-Words and phrases work together to create depth.

Conventions This is category focuses on grammar, mechanics, and spelling.

-Frequent and significant errors in capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and/or paragraphing make the writing difficult to read and understand.-There is a need to edit in nearly every line.

-There are enough mistakes in capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and/or paragraphing that the reader notices them and may have difficulty understanding.-There is a need for significant editing.

-If there are mistakes in capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and/or paragraphing, they don’t make the paper difficult to read and understand.-There is a need for some editing.

-Capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and/or paragraphing are correct and make the writing easy to read and understand..-There is little need for editing.

-Capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and paragraphing are used effectively to enhance readability.-The piece is very close to being published.

Voice This category focuses on the “flavor” of your story. It should be interesting and make the reader want to read more.

-Most of the writing is flat, lifeless, and boring. There could be a moment of voice.-The writer doesn’t care much about the topic or is unsure of the purpose.-The writer in unsure of the purpose and almost always fails to connect with the audience.

-The writing is safe and only hits at who the writer is behind the words.-The writer is not always involved or excited about the topic.-The writer makes an attempt to connect with the audience and has some awareness of the purpose

-The writing feels unique, has flavor, or feeling but not all the time.-The writer is involved with the topic making the writing interesting and informative.-The writer occasionally engages the reader using a voice that matches the audience with the purpose.

-The writing creates a personal tone, flavor, or feeling that sounds unique.-The writer is completely involved in the topic making the writing compelling and engaging.-The writer engages the reader using a voice that stands out from the others.

-The writer creates a lasting personal tone by taking a deliberate risk.-The writer crafts the writing with an awareness and respect for the audience and purpose for writing.-The writer connects strongly with the reader using natural, engaging language.

Sentence Fluency This category focuses on how long your sentences are. You should use commas, semicolons, and different lengths of sentences.

-Sentences are difficult to follow or read aloud.-Writing uses sentence patterns that are the same and sound monotonous.-The writing has some choppy sentences, run-ons, fragments, and/or repetitions.-Dialogue, if used, doesn’t sound like natural conversation.-There are no commas or semicolons.

-Choppy or rambling sentences slow the reader down or require rereading.-The writing includes some variety in sentence beginnings, lengths and patterns.-Dialogue, if used, sounds like natural some of the time.-There are no commas or semicolons.

-The writing sounds natural and is easy to read aloud.-The writing includes a variety in sentence beginnings, lengths, and patterns.-Sentence fragments, if used, work.-Dialogue, if used, sounds natural most of the time.-There are commas.

-The writing sounds natural and is easy to read aloud with expression.-The writing flows smoothly because it includes variety in sentence beginnings, lengths, and patterns.-Sentence fragments, if used, enhance the writing.-Dialogue, if used, sounds natural.-There are commas.

-The writing has an easy flow, rhythm and cadence that invite expressive oral reading.-The writing is purposeful with varied sentence beginnings, lengths and structure, adding variety and energy.-Stylistic elements are used to enhance the fluency of the writing.-Dialogue, if used, sounds natural and strengthens the writing.-There are commas and semicolons.