TRAIT
Ideas
Organization
Voice
1
As yet, the writing has no clear
sense of purpose or central
theme. To extract meaning, the
reader must make inferences
based on sketchy or missing
details.
Writing lacks a clear sense of
direction. Ideas, details, or
events seem strung together in a
loose or random fashion; there is
no identifiable internal structure.
The writer seems indifferent,
uninvolved, or distanced from
the topic and/or audience.
Word Choice
The writer demonstrates a
limited vocabulary or has not
searched for words to convey
specific meaning.
Sentence
Fluency
The reader has to review the
writing more than once to
comprehend its meaning.
Conventions
Errors in spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, grammar and
usage, and/or paragraphing
repeatedly distract the reader and
make the text difficult to read.
Presentation
The reader receives a garbled
message due to problems
relating to the presentation of the
text.
Adapted from 6+1 Traits of Writing by Ruth Culham
INTERDISCIPLINARY WRITING RUBRIC
2
3
The writer is beginning to define The writing is clear and focused.
the topic, even though
It holds the reader’s attention.
development is still basic or
Relevant anecdotes and/or
general.
details enrich the central theme.
The organizational structure is
strong enough to move the
reader through the text without
too much confusion.
The order, structure, or
presentation of information
moves the reader easily through
the text.
The writer seems sincere, but not
fully engaged or involved.
The writer is clearly engaged,
and the writing is pleasant,
personable, and/or compelling.
The language is functional, even
if it lacks much energy or
precision. It is possible to figure
out the meaning on a general
level.
The reader can interpret the
meaning the first time through,
but the writing is more
mechanical than fluid.
The writer shows reasonable
control over a limited range of
standard writing conventions.
Conventions are sometimes
handled well; at other times,
errors are distracting and impair
readability.
The writer’s message is
understandable in the format.
The words convey the intended
message in a precise and natural
way. It is easy to figure out the
specific meaning.
The writing is fluid but is more
pleasant or businesslike than
musical.
The writer shows a good grasp
of standard writing conventions
and uses conventions to convey
meaning accurately throughout
the writing.
The form and presentation of the
text enhance the ability of the
reader to understand and connect
with the message.
4
The writing is inspired and/or
exceptionally well suited to the
purpose. Original and/or
profound connections are made
to the central theme.
The organization is based on
creative patterns that go beyond
the ordinary to enhance and
showcase the central idea or
theme.
The writer is passionate, and the
writing speaks directly to the
reader with an awareness of, and
respect for, audience and
purpose.
The vocabulary used is the most
accurate and appropriate for the
field. The words are powerful
and/or engaging.
The writing has an easy flow,
rhythm or cadence. Sentences
are well built, with strong and
varied structure.
The writer uses conventions not
only to convey meaning, but to
enhance it. Errors tend to be so
few that a few minor touch-ups
would make the piece ready for
publication.
The presentation goes beyond
formal requirements by adding
interesting features or
appropriately creative
embellishments.