IDEAS:  The heart of the message, the content of the piece, the main theme, with details that enrich and develop the theme

ORGANIZATION:  The internal structure; the thread of the central meaning; the logical and sometimes intriguing pattern of the ideas

VOICE:  The heart and soul; magic wit, feeling, and conviction of the writer coming out

DQ:  Did the writer stay focused and share original and fresh information or perspective about the topic?

DQ: Does the organizational structure enhance the ideas and make it easier to understand?

DQ:  Would you keep reading this piece if it were longer?

5. This paper is clear and focused.  It holds the reader’s attention.  Relevant anecdotes and details enrich the central theme.

5. The organization enhances and showcases the central idea or theme.  Includes a satisfying introduction and conclusion.  

5. The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling, engaging, and has personality.

4.  This paper is clear.  It holds the reader’s attention.  Relevant anecdotes and details support the central theme.

4. Organization is clear and coherent.  Order and structure are present, but may seem formulaic.

4. The writer speaks to the reader in a way that is personal and engaging.

3.  The writer is beginning to define the topic, even though development is still basic or general.

3. The organizational structure is strong enough to move the reader through the text without too much confusion.

3. The writer seems sincere but not fully engaged or involved.  The result is pleasant or even personable, but not compelling.

2. The writer is beginning to define the topic; development is basic and may be vague.

2. The writing lacks a clear organizational structure. An occasional organizational device is discernible; however, the writing is either difficult to follow and the reader has to reread substantial portions or the piece is simply too short to demonstrate organizational skills.

2. The writer seems disengaged and distracted from both the topic and the audience

1. The paper has no clear sense of purpose or central theme.  The reader must make inferences based on sketchy or missing details.

1. The writing lacks a clear sense of direction.

1. The writer seems indifferent, uninvolved, or distanced from the topic and/or the audience.

WORD CHOICE:  The use of colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader

SENTENCE FLUENCY:  The rhythm and flow of the language; the sound of the word patterns and the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just the eye

CONVENTIONS:  The mechanical correctness of the piece; spelling, grammar and usage, paragraphing, use of capitalization and punctuation

DQ:  Do the words and phrases create vivid pictures and linger in your mind?

DQ:  Do the words and phrases flow together as you read the piece aloud?

How much editing will this piece take to make it publishable?

5. Words convey the intended message in a precise, interesting, and natural way.

5. The writing has an easy flow, rhythm, and cadence.  

5. The writer demonstrates a good grasp of standard writing conventions (e.g. spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, usage, paragraphing)

4.  Words effectively convey the intended message.  The writer employs a variety of words that are functional and appropriate to audience and purpose.  

4. The writing has an easy flow in places, yet in others it is more businesslike.

4. The writer shows a sound grasp of standard writing conventions for the most part in the writing.

3.  The language is functional, even if it lacks much energy.  It is easy to figure out the writer’s meaning on a general level.

3. The text hums along with a steady beat but tends to be more pleasant or businesslike than musical.

3. The writer shows reasonable control over a limited range of standard writing conventions.

2. Language is monotonous and/or misused, detracting from the meaning and impact.

2. The writing is a bit difficult to read aloud smoothly.

2. Errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, usage, and grammar and/or paragraphing interfere with the reader’s ability to follow the text and understand it.

1. The writer demonstrates limited vocabulary.

1.The reader has to practice quite a bit in order to give the paper a fair interpretive reading.

1. Errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, usage, and grammar and/or paragraphing repeatedly distract the reader and make the text difficult to read.