Category 4 3 2 1Sentence Structure (Sentence Fluency)

All sentences are well-constructed with varied structure. There is no repetition in sentence structure unless for effect.

Most sentences are well-constructed with varied structure. Some sentences may seem rushed and weakly put together or awkward.

Most sentences are well-constructed but have a similar structure. Most of the sentences seem to have been written at the last minute.

Sentences lack structure and appear incomplete or rambling.

Sequencing (Organization)

Details are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader.

Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/ introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting.

Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader.

Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is organized.

Capitalization & Punctuation (Conventions)

Writer makes no errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the piece is exceptionally easy to read.

Writer makes 1 or 2 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the piece is still easy to read.

Writer makes only a few errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and interrupt the flow.

Writer makes several errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader's attention and greatly interrupt the flow. The punctuation and capitalization are so incorrect is hard to focus on the meaning.

Adding Personality (Voice)

The writer’s energy and passion drive the writing, making the text lively and expressive. The writing sparks the reader’s imagination. The writer connects with the reader and the text sounds as if the author is really into the piece.

The piece is energetic but lacks passion. There is a lack of ownership of the topic. For most of the piece the reader understands what the writer thinks and feels and not just the facts.

There is minimal personal involvement in the piece. Every once in a while we hear the writer’s voice, but much of the piece sounds fake and like a list of facts.

There is no personal involvement in the piece. The voice sounds fake and put-on. The piece is a list of facts with no personal involvement or ownership. The writer seems bored with topic.

Word Choice Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced.The perfect amount of figurative language is used.

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.The words used paint a clear vision in the reader’s head.At times the figurative language may be too little or too much.

Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. The reader gets a basic picture in their head but much of the detail is missing.

There is very little, if any, figurative language used. The writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or cliches may be present and detract from the meaning. The reader is unable to picture anything.

Focus on Topic (Content)

There is one clear, well-focused topic. The main idea stands out and is supported by detailed information.

The main idea is clear but the supporting information is general.

Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more supporting information.

The main idea is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information.