IDEAS/CONTENT
• Ideas are fresh and original.
• The writer seems to be writing with an understanding of life and a knack for picking out what is significant.
• Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable.
• The writer develops the topic in an enlightening, purposeful way that makes a point.
• Every paragraph explains or explores the main idea of the piece.
STRONG EFFECTIVE DEVELOPING EMERGING NOT YET
ORGANIZATION
• Details seem to fit where they're placed; sequencing is logical and effective.
• An inviting introduction draws the reader in; a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of resolution.
• Pacing is well controlled.
• Thoughtful transitions clearly show how ideas connect.
• Organization flows so smoothly.
STRONG EFFECTIVE DEVELOPING EMERGING NOT YET
WORD CHOICE/VOICE
• Words are specific and accurate; it is easy to understand just what the writer means.
• The language is natural and never overdone.
• Lively verbs energize the writing.
• Precise nouns and modifiers create pictures in the reader's mind.
• Striking words and phrases often catch the reader's eye--and linger in the reader's mind.
• Clichés and jargon are used sparingly, only for effect.
• The reader feels a strong interaction with the writer, sensing the person behind the words.
• The tone and voice give flavor to the message and seem appropriate for the purpose and audience.
STRONG EFFECTIVE DEVELOPING EMERGING NOT YET
SENTENCE FLUENCY
• Sentences are constructed in a way that helps make meaning clear.
• Purposeful sentence beginnings show how each sentence relates to and builds upon the one before it.
• The writing has cadence.
• Sentences vary in length as well as structure.
• Fragments, if used, add style.
STRONG EFFECTIVE DEVELOPING EMERGING NOT YET
CONVENTIONS
• Grammar and usage are correct and contribute to clarity and style.
• Punctuation is accurate and guides the reader through the text.
• Spelling is correct.
• The writer may manipulate conventions--especially grammar and spelling--for stylistic effect.
• Only light editing would be required to polish the text for publication.
STRONG EFFECTIVE DEVELOPING EMERGING NOT YET
EXPLANATION
STRONG: Shows control and skill in this trait; many strengths present
EFFECTIVE: On balance, the strengths outweigh the weaknesses; a small amount of revisions needed.
DEVELOPING: Strengths and need for revisions are about equal; about half-way home.
EMERGING: Need for revision outweighs strengths; isolated moments hint at what the has in mind.
NOT YET: A bare beginning; writer not yet showing any control.
Date:
Hour:
IDEAS/CONTENT
• Ideas are fresh and original.
• The writer seems to be writing with an understanding of life and a knack for picking out what is significant.
• Relevant, telling, quality details give the reader important information that goes beyond the obvious or predictable.
• The writer develops the topic in an enlightening, purposeful way that makes a point.
• Every paragraph explains or explores the main idea of the piece.
STRONG EFFECTIVE DEVELOPING EMERGING NOT YET
ORGANIZATION
• Details seem to fit where they're placed; sequencing is logical and effective.
• An inviting introduction draws the reader in; a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of resolution.
• Pacing is well controlled.
• Thoughtful transitions clearly show how ideas connect.
• Organization flows so smoothly.
STRONG EFFECTIVE DEVELOPING EMERGING NOT YET
WORD CHOICE/VOICE
• Words are specific and accurate; it is easy to understand just what the writer means.
• The language is natural and never overdone.
• Lively verbs energize the writing.
• Precise nouns and modifiers create pictures in the reader's mind.
• Striking words and phrases often catch the reader's eye--and linger in the reader's mind.
• Clichés and jargon are used sparingly, only for effect.
• The reader feels a strong interaction with the writer, sensing the person behind the words.
• The tone and voice give flavor to the message and seem appropriate for the purpose and audience.
STRONG EFFECTIVE DEVELOPING EMERGING NOT YET
SENTENCE FLUENCY
• Sentences are constructed in a way that helps make meaning clear.
• Purposeful sentence beginnings show how each sentence relates to and builds upon the one before it.
• The writing has cadence.
• Sentences vary in length as well as structure.
• Fragments, if used, add style.
STRONG EFFECTIVE DEVELOPING EMERGING NOT YET
CONVENTIONS
• Grammar and usage are correct and contribute to clarity and style.
• Punctuation is accurate and guides the reader through the text.
• Spelling is correct.
• The writer may manipulate conventions--especially grammar and spelling--for stylistic effect.
• Only light editing would be required to polish the text for publication.
STRONG EFFECTIVE DEVELOPING EMERGING NOT YET
EXPLANATION
STRONG: Shows control and skill in this trait; many strengths present
EFFECTIVE: On balance, the strengths outweigh the weaknesses; a small amount of revisions needed.
DEVELOPING: Strengths and need for revisions are about equal; about half-way home.
EMERGING: Need for revision outweighs strengths; isolated moments hint at what the has in mind.
NOT YET: A bare beginning; writer not yet showing any control.
COMMENTS
GRADE