Traits

Score

Comments

Ideas: Writing is clear and focused; Holds the reader’s attention; Details support and enrich the topic. (HISTORICAL FICTION)

¨  Main idea is clear and focused from beginning to end

¨  Strong details support main idea

¨  Support sentences show elaboration and extension

¨  Engaging and original ideas

___ 5 (Advanced)

___ 4 (Mastery)

___ 3 (Basic)

___ 2 (Approaching Basic)

___ 1 (Unsatisfactory)

Organization: Writing has a central meaning; Organized in a logical way; intriguing ideas.

¨  Strong introduction or lead and satisfying conclusion

¨  Transitions connect ideas well

¨  Logical sequence or order

¨  Structure fits topic, purpose, and audience; paragraphing is effective

___ 5 (Advanced)

___ 4 (Mastery)

___ 3 (Basic)

___ 2 (Approaching Basic)

___ 1 (Unsatisfactory)

Voice: Writing is individual; Can identify the writer of the piece

¨  Paper stands out from others

¨  Shows strong feelings and is appealing to read; lots of energy

¨  Voice suitable for audience and purpose (narrative vs. persuasive/expository)

___ 5 (Advanced)

___ 4 (Mastery)

___ 3 (Basic)

___ 2 (Approaching Basic)

___ 1 (Unsatisfactory)

Word Choice: Rich, colorful, precise language; Moves & entertains the reader.

¨  Words are specific & accurate

¨  Natural & appropriate language for the topic

¨  Lively verbs give the writing energy

¨  Sensory language, as appropriate, greatly enhances meaning

¨  Writing is concise & clutter-free

___ 5 (Advanced)

___ 4 (Mastery)

___ 3 (Basic)

___ 2 (Approaching Basic)

___ 1 (Unsatisfactory)

Sentence Fluency:  Rhythm & flow of the language is pleasing; Sounds interesting when read aloud.

¨  Writing is smooth; natural & easy to read

¨  Variety in sentence length & structure

¨  Sentence beginnings are varied

¨  Creative & appropriate connectives

¨  Dialogue, if used, sounds natural and conversational

___ 5 (Advanced)

___ 4 (Mastery)

___ 3 (Basic)

___ 2 (Approaching Basic)

___ 1 (Unsatisfactory)

Conventions:  Mechanical correctness of the writing; Spelling, word usage, punctuation, capitalization, grammar

¨  Spelling is correct

¨  Punctuation is correct

¨  Capitalization is correct

¨  Grammar is correct (subject/verb agreement, verb tense, fragments & run-ons)

___ 5 (Advanced)

___ 4 (Mastery)

___ 3 (Basic)

___ 2 (Approaching Basic)

___ 1 (Unsatisfactory)