6 Writing Traits Rubric5 3/4 1/2

Ideas

  main theme  details

Writing is clear, focused, and well developed with many intriguing details. The writer is selective, chooses

details that keep readers reading

Topic/story is narrow, focused, and manageable

Details work together to clarify and expand main idea

Writer’s knowledge, experience, insight, and perspective lend authenticity

Amount of detail is just right

Solid beginning. It is easy to see where the piece is headed. Expansion would be helpful. Global information provides

big picture; reader longs for specifics

Intriguing details blend with common knowledge or generalities

Greater focus might help narrow or shape topic

Too sketchy or repetitive

Sketch, loosely focused information forces reader to make inferences. Readers notice: Topic or central idea may be

undefined or unclear Topic too big so hard for

writer to focus or say anything meaningful

The writer does not know enough about topic

Writing fills space, but lacks substance

No MAIN idea pops outOrganization

  structure

lead introduction

  conclusion

transitions

pacing

The order, presentation, and structure of the piece are compelling and guide the reader purposefully through the text. Main idea takes center stage Structure showcases but does

not dominate Inviting lead; satisfying

conclusion that prompts thought

Transitions smooth, helpful, and natural

The order lets readers move through the text without undue confusion. Key ideas can be identified Order predictable Lead/conclusion present but

could be more inviting/satisfying

Reader feels an urge to reorder or delete some information

Transitions are present – they may seem formulaic

The reader sometimes wants to speed ahead or reread to reflect

Ideas seem loosely or randomly strung together, creating confusion. Readers notice: Writing lacks a sense of

direction and balance; hard to follow

Structure is missing or is formulaic it overpowers ideas

Coherence lacking: No lead to set the writing up or conclusion for closure

Transitions missing or unclear; reader must build bridges

Voice

 passion

  audience

Writer’s passion for the topic drives the writing. Writer anticipates audience

interests and informational needs with “just right” tone and flavor

Text bears clear imprint of this writer

Readers want to share text aloud

Informational text is lively and engaging; narrative text is moving and honest

Writer communicates in a sincere, functional manner, but writing has lively moments. Tone and flavor acceptable Writer experimenting with

voice Promising words and/or

phrases catch reader’s attention

Writer reaches out to audience occasionally

Voice comes and goes with writer’s engagement with topic

Reader wants to share brief passages aloud

Writer seems distanced from the audience, topic, or both. This writer’s individual spirit

is hiding behind an “anybody” voice

Rare moments of liveliness or individuality

Text not yet asking to be shared aloud

Word Choice

 precise

vivid  natura

l

Meaning enhanced and picture painted in reader’s mind. Phrasing original – even

memorable Lively verbs Modifiers effective Repetition for effect Language never overdone

Language is functional. Memorable phrases mixed

with over/underdone passages

Promising words or phrases catch reader’s attention

Strong verbs used on occasion

The writer struggles to get the right words on paper, so his or her writing contains: Incorrect usage or vague

words Few strong verbs Inflated language Repetitive, vague, or

distracting words Writing does not “speak” to

readerSentence Fluency

  flowvariety

sentence sense

Easy flow and sentence sense make the text a delight to read aloud. Sentences well crafted Variety in sentence length and

structure Fragments or repetition add

style and punch; dialogue is natural and effective

Text bumps along with a steady beat. It is fairly readable with practice. Shows some variety in

sentence length and structure Graceful, natural phrasing

mixes with mechanical structure

Many similar patterns and beginnings

Fragments or repetition are not always effective; dialogue does not always echo real speech

An interpretive reading of this text takes a lot of practice. Readers notice: Repetitive or choppy

sentences Run-on sentences Reader must reread or fill in

words to create meaning disjointed/rambling/confusing

Fragments or repetition seem accidental; dialogue forced or hard to pick out

Conventions

age

Writer shows excellent control over a wide range of conventions, and uses them to enhance voice and meaning. Errors so few, the writing is

The writer shows reasonable control over widely used, grade-appropriate conventions. Writer handles some

conventions well

The writer demonstrates limited control over widely used conventions. Readers notice: Frequent errors distract

reader