(4/2011)
6+1 Traits of Writing Rubric
A
Ideas & Content
The meaning &
development of
message
Organization
The internal
structure of the
piece
Voice
The way the writer
brings the topic to
life
Word Choice
Vocabulary used to
make meaning
Sentence
Fluency
The way the words
& phrases flow
throughout text
Conventions
The mechanical
correctness of the
piece
Presentation
Overall appearance
of the work
(5pts)
B
(4pts)
 One clear, well-focused topic. Main
idea stands out and is supported by
accurate details.
 Relevant, telling, quality details give
reader important information going
beyond the obvious or predictable.
 Main idea is clear but the supporting
information is general.
 Supporting details and information
are relevant, but one key issue or
portion of the writing has no
supporting details.
 Inviting introduction and strong
conclusion
 Main topic and previews the
structure of the paper.
 Effective sequencing and pacing
 Thoughtful transitions connect
ideas; smooth organization
 Writer seems to be writing from
knowledge or experience.
 The author has taken the ideas and
made them "his own."
 Effective and strong reader/writer
connection; writer takes risks &
reflects interest in topic
 Purpose is powerful and engaging
 Writer uses vivid words and
phrases that linger or draw pictures
in the reader's mind.
 Choice & placement of words seems
accurate, natural & not forced.
 All paragraphs are well-constructed
with sentences varied in structure
and length.
 All sentences sound natural and are
easy-on-the-ear when read aloud.
Each sentence is clear and has an
obvious emphasis.
 Writer makes no errors in grammar,
spelling, capitalization or
punctuation that distract the
reader from content, so the paper
is exceptionally easy to read.
 Routine lead and conclusion
 Introduction clearly states the main
topic but is not particularly inviting
to the reader.
 Mostly logical sequencing & pacing
 Predictable connections/transitions
 Basic beginning, middle & ending
 Writer seems to be drawing on
knowledge/experience, but there is
some lack of ownership of the topic.
 Reader/writer connection present
but not strong
 Pleasing yet “safe”
 Energy level inconsistent
 Purpose is credible but not powerful
 Writer uses vivid words and phrases
that linger or draw pictures in the
reader's mind, but occasionally the
words are used inaccurately or seem
overdone.
 Almost all paragraphs are wellconstructed with most sentences
varied in structure and length.
 Almost all sentences sound natural
and are easy-on-the-ear when read
aloud, but 1 or 2 are stiff and
awkward or difficult to understand.
 Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar
or spelling that may distract the
reader from content.
 Writer makes 1 or 2 errors in
capitalization or punctuation, but
paper is still easy to read.
 Handwriting mostly legible
 Spacing improves clarity
 Margins and headers effective
 Overall appearance is acceptable
 Presentation consistent & uniform
 Good balance of space and text
 Overall appearance is pleasing
C
D
(3pts)
 Main idea is somewhat clear but
there is a need for more supporting
information.
 Supporting details & information are
relevant, but several key issues or
portions of the writing have no
supporting details.
 Ineffective lead and/or conclusion
 Sequencing/pacing/order confusing
 Connections awkward or fuzzy
 Formulaic structure detracts from
the content
 Writer attempts to make the reader
care about topic; is not successful.
 The writer relates some personal
knowledge or experience, but it adds
nothing to the discussion of the
topic.
 Occasionally intrigues the reader
 “Risk free”; purpose lacks conviction
 Writer uses words that communicate
clearly, but the writing lacks variety,
punch or flair.
 Some words are used inaccurately or
are overdone.
 Some sentences vary in length and
are well-constructed but have a
similar structure.
 Most sentences sound natural and
are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud,
but several are stiff and awkward or
are difficult to understand.
 Writer makes errors in grammar/
spelling; distracting reader from
content.
 Writer makes errors in capitalization
& punctuation that catch reader's
attention and interrupt the flow.
 Handwriting poor, reader must
exert some effort to figure out
some of the words.
 Some thought given to spacing
 Overall appearance is distracting
(2pts)
 The main idea is not clear. There is a
seemingly random collection of
information.
 Supporting details and information
are typically unclear or not related
to the topic.
 The transitions between ideas are
missing or unclear.
 Missing intro and/or conclusion
 Sequencing and pacing not present
 Connections are confusing or not
present & hard to follow
 Writer made no attempt to make the
reader care about the topic.
 The writer has not tried to
transform the information in a
personal way.
 Lifeless and mechanical
 Flat or inappropriate
 No clear purpose
 Writer uses a limited vocabulary
that does not communicate strongly
or capture the reader's interest.
 Jargon or clichés may be present
and detract from the meaning.
 Sentences rarely vary in length, lack
structure and appear incomplete or
rambling.
 The sentences are difficult to read
aloud because they sound awkward,
are distractingly repetitive, or
difficult to understand.
 Spelling errors impede readability
 Incorrect punctuation and
capitalization
 Many usage and grammar errors
 Lack of paragraphing




Handwriting unreadable
Random or lack of spacing
Poor use of white space
Overall appearance is unacceptable