Six Traits Writing Rubric
score
IDEAS
0
*fails to accomplish
task
*may be too brief to
evaluate
1
*has no clear sense of purpose
*details (including quotes)
missing
*ideas repetitious, disconnected
or random—no thesis
2
2
*stays somewhat focused on topic
established by thesis
*lacks support or detail
development, including quotes
*ideas are basic
3
3
*stays adequately focused on topic
established by thesis
*most details developed
*quotes used to good effect
ORGANIZATION
0
*no evidence of
organization
*may be too brief to
evaluate
1
*beginning, middle, and/or end
missing or not clear
*no clear thesis
*point of view confusing
*verb tense confusing
*fails to use topic sentences
2
*some organizational problems
*weak introduction and thesis
and/or conclusion
*point of view inconsistent
*verb tense inconsistent
*few topic sentences
3
*organizational plan easy to follow
*recognizable introduction, thesis, and
conclusion
*point of view appropriate
*verb tense appropriate
*recognizable topic sentences
VOICE
0
*voice inappropriate
to task
*may be too brief to
evaluate
1
*lacks concern or involvement
2
*sincere, pleasing manner
*emerges strongly at some places;
some personality
3
*tone and voice give personality to the
writing
*writing is enthusiastic
X
0
*language
inappropriate to task
*may be too brief to
evaluate
1
*limited word choice
2
*words are adequate and correct
*attempts at colorful language
*some varied word choice
3
*words are specific and accurate
*colorful words catch the reader’s
attention
*language is natural and not overdone
X
0
*sentences are
choppy or rambling
*fragments, run-ons
0
*multiple errors in
spelling,
punctuation,
capitalization,
usage, grammar
1
*some variety in sentences
X
X
X
X
WORD
CHOICE
SENTENCE
FLUENCY
CONVENTIONS
18
17
16
15
A+ 100%
A
97%
A- 94%
B+ 91%
1
0
14
13
12
11
B
89%
B
87%
B- 84%
C+ 81%
1
*standard writing conventions
usually correct
10
9
8
7
C
C
CD+
79%
77%
74%
71%
2
*writing has good flow or rhythm
*sentences vary in length
2
*demonstrates good grasp of
spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, grammar and usage
6
5
4
3
D
D
DF
69%
67%
64%
61%
2
1
0
F 59%
F 55%
F 50%
4
4
*stays completely focused on
topic established by thesis
*details fully developed
*effective use of quotes
*ideas are original and
insightful
4
*organization enhances
central idea
*inviting introduction and
thesis, satisfying conclusion
*point of view effective
*verb tense effective
*contains clear topic sentences