Sentence
Fluency
Read what you write aloud and listen to the
rhythm of the language. Do you like what you hear?
Does it make you sit up and take notice, or are you
lulled to sleep by the sing-song sameness of each
sentence pattern? Writers who read a lot notice
that they develop a feeling for sentences that some
people call “sentence sense.” It’s that sense that
there’s more than one way to say a thing-but some
ways just sound better than others.
Your sentences should be clear; they should
make sense. Don’t say: “I’m going to tell you
about …” Notice how your sentences begin. These
beginnings are repetitive and boring: “We went to
the beach. We had fun. We saw seagulls. We went
home.” Vary the openings and combine short
sentences. Don’t let sentences drift on too long
either.
A Writer Should Do the Following:
 Experiment with word strings to form sentences
 Use more complex sentences where needed
 Multiple sentences with different beginnings and
varied lengths
 Rhythm should be present in written and oral
language
 Use long and short sentences.
Name ___________________________
____________________
Date
Title of Piece
______________________________________________
_______
Score
SENTENCE FLUENCY RUBRIC
5 Points The paper has an easy flow and rhythm. It is
easy to read aloud. The writing sound natural – the way
someone might talk. The sentences have different
beginnings, lengths and structures.
 The writing sounds natural, with one sentence flowing
effortlessly into the next.
 Varied sentence beginnings guide the reader readily from
one sentence to the next.
 Variation in sentence structure and length adds interest
to the text.
 Fragments, if used at all, work well. Most sentences are
complete.
 Dialogue, if used, sounds natural.
3 Points The text move along efficiently, but lacks rhythm
and grace. It may sound technical or mechanical instead of
fluid and musical.
 The writer shows control over simple sentence structure,
but lacks ability with complex sentence structure.
 The sentences get the job done, but do not seem
skillfully crafted.
 The writer tends to favor a particular pattern, but there
is some variety in sentence length and structure.
 Some parts of the text invite expressive oral reading,
others are choppy and stiff.
1 Point
The paper is difficult to follow or read aloud.
Most sentences are incomplete or run-ons.
 The sentences do not sound natural. The text is not at
all like a person would talk.
 The reader may have to pause or read the sentence again.
 There is no variety in sentence beginnings, length, or
structure.

There are several fragments or run-ons. The reader
cannot see the connections between sentences.