Writing Traits

Each of the folllowing traits is evaluated on a one to six scale with six being high.

Conventions:

• Correct puctuation
• Accurate Spelling
• No major grammar errors
• Correct paragraphing
• Errors do not significantly detract from reader

Ideas and Content:

• Easy to understand
• Main idea is stated clear
• Paragraphs arranged to develop topic in logical order
• Holds reader's attention
• Writer knows topic well

Organization:

• Easy to follow
• Inviting Beginning
• Ideas show clear relationship
• Smooth and effective use of transitions
• Details fit where they are placed
• Ending that works

Sentence Fluency:

• Concise; not wordy or rambling
• Easy to read and understand
• Sounds natural; not choppy or akward
• Varied sentence structure adds interest
• Effective and purposeful use of run-ons and fragments

Voice:

• Individual, honest, sincere
• Demonstrates effort to make ideas clear to reader
• Original, lively, exciting, humorous, suspenseful
• Tone is appropriate for assignment and content

Word Choice:

• Accurate, strong, specific
• Fresh, precise, original
• May experiment with new words
• May use every day words in an interesting way
• Uses specific nouns and energetic verbs
• May use effective images or figurative language

Citing sources:

• Acknowledges borrowed material with name os authority
• Puctuates quoted material accurately
• Paraphrases material by rewriting is using writer's style/language
• Specific in-text documentation for all borrowed items
• Provides accurate and complete bibliographic information in apporpriate form