Trait
Summary of Traits of Quality Writing
Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
Rubric
IDEAS
(The heart of the message)
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Clarity-makes sense
Focus-narrowed & manageable size
Quality details-beyond obvious or
general
ORGANIZATION
(The internal structure)
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Inviting Opening
Sequencing-logical & effective
Transitions-linking ideas & paragraphs
Pacing
Effective Ending
SENTENCE FLUENCY
(Rhythm & flow of language)
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Rhythm & cadence
Smooth & easy flow
Variety of sentence beginnings,
lengths, & patterning
CONVENTIONS
(Mechanical correctness)
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Writing edited & proofed with care
Spelling
Punctuation
Grammar & Usage
Paragraphing
Capital letters
it’s its boys’ girl’s
5 STRONG – paper is clear & focused. Holds
reader’s attention. Relevant details enrich the
central theme
4 COMPETENT –
3 DEVELOPING- writer beginning to define
thesis, development is still basic or general
2 EMERGING1 NOT YET – Paper has no clear thesis. To
extract meaning from the text, reader must
make inferences.
5 STRONG –organization enhances &
showcases central theme. Order, structure,
presentation of material is compelling & moves
reader through text.
4 COMPETENT –
3 DEVELOPING- Organizational structure is
strong enough to move reader through text
without too much confusion.
2 EMERGING1 NOT YET – Writing lacks clear sense of
direction. Ideas, details seem strung together in
a loose or random fashion. No identifiable
internal structure.
5 STRONG –Writing has easy flow, rhythm,
cadence. Sentences well built, strong & varied
structure that reads well aloud.
4 COMPETENT –
3 DEVELOPING- Text hums with steady beat
but tends to be more mechanical than fluid.
2 EMERGING1 NOT YET – Choppy or awkward sentences.
Sentences don’t hang together or begin same
way.
5 STRONG –Errors few so just minor touchups to be ready to publish
4 COMPETENT –
3 DEVELOPING- Conventions sometimes
handled well, other times errors are distracting
& impair readabiltiy
2 EMERGING1 NOT YET – errors repeatedly distract reader
& make text difficult to read.
rubric with descriptions is available at http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/scoring.php?odelay=3&d=1
rubric itself is at http://www.nwrel.org/assessment/pdfRubrics/6plus1traits.pdf