IDEAS

ORGANIZATION

 VOICE

 WORD CHOICE

 SENTENCE FLUENCY

 CONVENTIONS

 PRESENTATION

A. The topic is narrow and manageable.

B. Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious

C. Reasonably accurate details are present to support the main ideas.

D. The writer seems to be writing from knowledge or experience; the ideas are fresh and original.

E. The reader’s questions are anticipated and answered.

F. Insight—an understanding of life and a knack for picking out what is significant—is an indicator of

A. An inviting introduction draws the reader in; a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense

B. Thoughtful transitions clearly show how ideas connect.

C. Details seem to fit where they're placed; sequencing is logical and effective.

D. Pacing is well controlled; the writer knows when to slow down and elaborate, and when to pick up

E. The title, if desired, is original and captures the central theme of the piece.

F. Organization flows so smoothly the reader hardly thinks about it; the choice of structure matches the

purpose and audience.

A. The writer connects strongly with the audience through the intriguing focus of the topic, selection of

B. The purpose of the writing is accurately reflected in the writer’s choice of individual and compelling

C. The writer takes a risk by the inclusion of personal details that reveal the person behind the words.

D. Expository or persuasive writing reflects a strong commitment to the topic by the careful selection of

E. Narrative writing is personal and engaging, and makes you think about the author’s ideas or point of

A. Words are specific and accurate. It is easy to understand just what the writer means.

B. Striking words and phrases often catch the reader's eye and linger in the reader's mind.

C. Language and phrasing are natural, effective, and appropriate for the audience.

D. Lively verbs add energy while specific nouns and modifiers add depth.

E. Choices in language enhance the meaning and clarify understanding.

F. Precision is obvious. The writer has taken care to put just the right word or phrase in just the right

A. Sentences are constructed in a way that underscores and enhances the meaning.

B. Sentences vary in length as well as structure. Fragments, if used, add style. Dialogue, if present,

C. Purposeful and varied sentence beginnings add variety and energy.

D. The use of creative and appropriate connectives between sentences and thoughts shows how each

E. The writing has cadence; the writer has thought about the sound of the words as well as the meaning.

A. Spelling is generally correct, even on more difficult words.

B. The punctuation is accurate, even creative, and guides the reader through the text.

C. A thorough understanding and consistent application of capitalization skills are present.

D. Grammar and usage are correct and contribute to clarity and style.

E. Paragraphing tends to be sound and reinforces the organizational structure.

F. The writer may manipulate conventions for stylistic effect—and it works! The piece is very close to

being ready to publish.

A. If handwritten (either cursive or printed), the slant is consistent, letters are clearly formed, spacing is

uniform between words, and the text is easy to read.

B. If word-processed, there is appropriate use of fonts and font sizes which invites the reader into the text.

C. The use of white space on the page (spacing, margins, etc.) allows the intended audience to easily focus on

D. The use of a title, side heads, page numbering, bullets, and evidence of correct use of a style sheet (when

E. When appropriate to the purpose and audience, there is effective integration of text and illustrations,

charts, graphs, maps, tables, etc. There is clear alignment between the text and visuals. The visuals