Six Traits of Effective Writing Evaluation Rubric (based on the presentation by Paul Kropp) IDEAS Focus on main ideas, theme, supporting details 5 (thorough) Original treatment of ideas, well developed from start to finish, focused,

manageable topic with relevant, strong supporting details that often go beyond the obvious.

4 (advanced) Strong, focused main idea enhanced by appropriate details 3 (acceptable) Clear main idea with some supporting detail; may be a list of ideas without

much development; all details treated as equally important 2 (partial) Apparent main idea with minimal supporting detail. May have some irrelevant

material or gaps in needed information. 1 (minimal) Main idea may be non-existent or confused by irrelevant details; content may

be minimal NOTES: • choose a topic

• narrow or focus it • elaborate on the topic • add interesting details

TEXT ORGANIZATION

Focus on beginnings, endings, sequence, pacing, transitions

5 (thorough) Effectively structured and paced to create a smooth “flow” of information. Creative and engaging introduction and conclusion. Good use of transitions.

4 (advanced) Logical orderly sequence moves the reader smoothly through the text. Well organized with an inviting introduction and an adequate closure.

3 (acceptable) Structure is adequate, but mundane, though not difficult to follow. There is an obvious attempt at a beginning, middle and end.

2 (partial) Some effort has been made to organize the piece, but some details may be out of place. The introduction and conclusion are not well developed.

1 (minimal) A lack of structure or content makes this piece hard to follow. There is no lead or conclusion.

NOTES: • Plan before you write • hook your reader’s attention • make your details flow smoothly • wrap the piece up neatly

VOICE Focus on energy, personality and sense of audience 5 (thorough) Passionate, compelling, full of energy and commitment. May show feelings

and generate emotional response from the reader. 4 (advanced) Expressive, engaging, sincere tone with good sense of audience. Occasional

sparks of voice. 3 (acceptable) Pleasant but not distinctive tone and persona. Voice is appropriate to audience

and purpose. 2 (partial) Voice may be mechanical or artificial. Writer seems to lack a sense of

audience. 1 (minimal) Writing tends to be flat or stiff or inappropriate. Style does not suit audience

or purpose. Notes • Speak to your reader

• put feelings into your writing • think about your purpose for writing

WORD CHOICE

Focus on precision, clarity effectiveness, imagery

5 (thorough) Carefully chosen words convey strong, fresh vivid images consistently throughout the piece.

4 (advanced) “Sparks” of strong word choice throughout the piece. 3 (acceptable) Functional and appropriate word choice with occasional efforts to use

descriptive language 2 (partial) Words may be correct but mundane; writing uses patterns of conversation

rather than book language and structure. 1 (minimal) Word choice is monotonous; may be repetitious or immature. NOTES: • choose the words you use

• paint pictures in your reader’s mind • use vivid verbs and powerful nouns • try the techniques writers use

SENTENCE FLOW

Focus on rhythm, sentence variety, sounds of words

5 (thorough) High degree of craftsmanship; control of rhythm and flow so the writing sounds almost musical to read aloud. Variation in sentence length and forms adds interest and rhythm.

4 (advanced) Easy flow and rhythm to most of the piece with some variety in sentence lengths and structures.

3 (acceptable) The writing shows some general sense of flow, but many sentences follow a similar structure. Little attention has been paid to the sound of the piece.

2 (partial) The writing has many similar beginnings and sentence patterns with little sense of rhythm so it sounds choppy to read aloud. May have many short sentences or run on sentences.

1 (minimal) Inadequate sentence sense. NOTES: • use some long and some short sentences

• vary the kinds of sentences and the way they start • think about the sounds of words you use • read your writing aloud to see if it sounds smooth and flowing

WRITING CONVENTIONS

Focus on spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization

5 (thorough) The writing contains few, if any errors in conventions. The writer shows strong control over a wide range of conventions for this grade level.

4 (advanced) Generally, the writing is free from errors, though there may be occasional errors in more complex words and sentence construction.

3 (acceptable) Occasional errors are noticeable, but minor. The writer uses conventions with enough skill to make the paper easily readable.

2 (partial) The writing suffers from more frequent errors, inappropriate to the grade level, but the reader can follow it.

1 (minimal) Errors in conventions make the writing difficult to follow. The writer may know some conventions, but confuses many more.

NOTES: • capital letters • use of correct words • punctuation • spelling