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Ideas
Organization
-No main idea is
present
-No topic
-missing support and
details
-Reader’s questions
are not answered
-Not identified writing lacks
direction
-transitions are missing
-Sequencing doesn’t work
-Missing title
-Main idea missing
-support is limited
-few details are
present
-author generalizes
-Mostly ineffective
-lead and conclusion do not
work
-weak transitions
-little sequencing is evident
-title doesn’t match
Voice
Word Choice
Sentence Fluency
Conventions/
Editing
-author does not
reveal anything
-paper is boring
-tone in not evident
-voice is
inappropriate
-Vocabulary is limited
-words are generic
-vocabulary is confusing
-words are incorrectly used
Sentences are incorrectly
structured
-choppy, incomplete, run-on
-weak use of language
-errors in conventions
-spelling errors are frequent
-punctuation is often missing or incorrect
-capitalization is random
-errors in grammar usage
-extensive editing is required
-author relies on
reader to feel voice
-author does not
engage reader
-tone does not
support writing
-voice does not
support purpose
-wrong words are used
-vocabulary has no spice
-words are plain
-redundant parts of speech
-sentence vary little
-sentences structure is unnatural
-little evidence of sentence flow
-sentences are “blah”
-many errors are scattered throughout text
-many spelling errors
-simple end punctuation
-most capitalization is incorrect
-serious grammar errors
-a lot of editing required
-Simple main idea is
present
-reader must infer
message
-author does not
show own
experiences
-some transitions are used
-sequencing and pacing are
awkward
-title is weak
-author’s voice is
hard to recognize
-author uses some
“aha” moments
-tone is flat
-commitment to topic
begins to emerge
-vocabulary is
understandable but lacks
energy
-words are adequate
-original words are starting
to emerge
-sentences are correct but not
varied
-sentences may not flow
-simple and compound sentences
are evident
-author stumbles in conventions
-spelling on simple words is incorrect
-punctuation is inconsistent
-capitalization is inconsistent
-meaning is inappropriate
Too much editing is required
-Main idea is
identified
-topic is broad, yet
clear
-author used few
examples
-structure begins to emerge
-lead and conclusion are
present but need more
-transitions are repeated
Authors is sincere,
yet not fully engaged
-author surprises
reader in more than 1
or 2 places
-voice lacks spark
-vocabulary is functional yet
lacks energy
-message is easy to identify
-attempts at colorful word
choice show
-sentences are varied
- sentence structure is correct
-sentence beginnings vary but
are generic
-rhythm is inconsistent
-errors may detract from readability
- spelling is usually correct
-end punctuation is mostly correct
-capitalization is mostly correct
-grammar is inconsistent
-moderate editing may be required
-Main idea is
identified with
details
-topic may still need
to be narrowed
-Details support
ideas
-main idea is clear
-topic is focused
-support and details
are strong and
relevant
Author uses own
experiences
-organization is smooth
-transitions and sequencing
makes sense though may
not be original
-pacing is controlled
-uninspired title
-author attempts to
address audiencemay miss a beat here
and there
-commitment is clear
-voice supports
author’s purpose
-Author speaks
directly to the reader
-author risks
revealing self
-voice is engaging
and enthusiastic
-vocabulary is precise and
appropriate
-message is clear
-new words and phrase are
usually correct
-some sentences flow
-moves reader fluidly through
piece
-sentence types are evident
-thoughtful and moves reader
-basic conventions are there
-spelling is correct mostly
-capitalization is correct
-Grammar usage is correct
-still need editing before publishing
-vocabulary is powerful
-words are precise
-message is clear
-word choice is natural
-lively verbs
-well-built sentences
-structure is strong
-varied sentences add interest
-creative and connective
-minor editing is needed
-spelling is correct
-punctuation is correct
Capitalization is correct
-Grammar adds to meaning
-hardly any editing is needed
-inviting and ordered
-thoughtful transitions
-sequencing is logical
-pacing is well controlled