(4/2011)
6+1 Traits of Writing Rubric
A (5pts)
One clear, well-focused topic. Main
Ideas & idea stands out and is supported by
Content accurate details.
The meaning & Relevant, telling, quality details give
reader important information going
development of
beyond the obvious or predictable.
message
Inviting introduction and strong
Organization conclusion
The internal Main topic and previews the
structure of the structure of the paper.
piece Effective sequencing and pacing
Thoughtful transitions connect
ideas; smooth organization
Writer seems to be writing from
Voice knowledge or experience.
The way the writer The author has taken the ideas and
brings the topic to made them "his own."
life Effective and strong reader/writer
connection; writer takes risks &
reflects interest in topic
Purpose is powerful and engaging
Writer uses vivid words and
Word Choice phrases that linger or draw pictures
Vocabulary used to in the reader's mind.
make meaning Choice & placement of words seems
accurate, natural & not forced.
All paragraphs are well-constructed
Sentence with sentences varied in structure
Fluency and length.
The way the words All sentences sound natural and are
easy-on-the-ear when read aloud.
& phrases flow
Each sentence is clear and has an
throughout text obvious emphasis.
Writer makes no errors in grammar,
Conventions spelling, capitalization or
The mechanical punctuation that distract the
correctness of the reader from content, so the paper
piece is exceptionally easy to read.
Presentation consistent & uniform
Presentation
Good balance of space and text
Overall appearance Overall appearance is pleasing
of the work
B (4pts)
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.
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 well-
constructed 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
C (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
D (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 clichs 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