TRAIT

DESCRIPTOR

IDEAS AND CONTENT

ORGANIZATION

VOICE

WORD CHOICE

SENTENCE FLUENCY

CONVENTIONS

The degree to which:

§  the reader’s interest has been captivated and maintained;

§  the writing achieves the intended purpose;

§  selected ideas, details, examples are effective.

The degree to which the text:

§   is focused around a central idea or theme;

§   is clearly and logically ordered;

§   demonstrates connections;

§   creates a sense of beginning and closure.

The degree to which the writer:

§    has chosen a voice appropriate for the topic, purpose, and audience;

§    demonstrates commitment to the topic through expression, engagement, and sincerity.

The degree to which the chosen words:

§   effectively convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural way;

§   demonstrate a broad range of developmentally appropriate words.

The degree to which the text:

§    includes sentences that are varied in type and length;

§    reflects a flow and rhythm appropriate for the topic, purpose, and audience.

The degree to which the text reflects control of writing conventions (spelling, usage, capitalization, punctuation, paragraphing, and grammar) relative to length, complexity, purpose, audience, and developmental expectations.

ADVANCED (7/6)

§   Purpose clearly established

and maintained;

§   Development:

§   experience or knowledge clearly communicated in an interesting way;

§   details specific, relevant, and/or significant;

§   Text:

§   engages reader’s attention with original, insightful, and/or creative ideas;

§   focused, prompt-appropriate.

§   Structure crafted to support

and advance purpose

through:

§     inviting beginning and

satisfying ending;

§     logical and effective

arrangement of

details/paragraphs;

§   Pacing:

§     thoughtful, embedded

transitions thread ideas

throughout the text.

§    Individuality shines;

§    Sense of audience keen,

compelling the reader to

interact;

§    Tone richly crafted and/or

convincing;

§    Commitment to Topic/

Purpose enthusiastic,

passionate and/or

perceptive;

§    Text moves the reader and

causes the reader to

respond.

§   Language/Vocabulary:

effective, natural, engaging, striking, memorable;

§   Chosen words:

§     evoke powerful images through lively verbs, precise nouns and modifiers;

§     may show evidence of

figurative language and/or

risk-taking.

§   Variety:

§   sentence beginnings and types manipulated to add

energy and interest;

§   varied lengths enhance

pacing;

§   Fluency creates a rhythm that

invites reading;

§    Structures crafted to enhance

readability and meaning.

§   Grammar/usage may be

manipulated for stylistic

effect, when appropriate;

§   Mechanics:

§    paragraph breaks reinforce organizational structure;

§    skillful use of a range of conventions;

§   Editing:

§    few errors;

§    little or no editing needed.

PROFICIENT (5/4)

§   Purpose established;

§   Development:

§   experience or knowledge communicated;

§   details support and fulfill

intended purpose;

§   Text:

§   sustains reader’s attention through clear ideas;

§   managed, prompt-appropriate.

§   Structure supports develop-

ment of main idea through:

§     clear sense of beginning and end;

§     logical arrangement of

details/paragraphs;

§   Pacing:

§     appropriate transitions link ideas.

§    Individuality evident;

§    Sense of audience apparent;

§    Tone sincere and confident;