6-TRAIT SCORING RUBRIC

 

(Adapted from: Spandel, Vicki. CREATING WRITERS: THROUGH 6-TRAIT WRITING ASSESSMENT AND INSTRUCTION. New York: Addison Wesley, Longman, 2001)

 

Papers and Reports will be graded by this rubric.

 

IDEAS AND CONTENT

5 – Focused, Clear, and Specific

My writing is full of details that keep the reader's attention and show what is really important about my topic.

3 – Some Really Good Parts, Some Not There Yet

The reader usually knows what I mean. I need to tell just a little more about what is important.          

1 – Just Beginning to Figure Out What I Want to Say

When someone else reads my paper, it will be hard for them to understand what I mean.

 

ORGANIZATION

5 – Clear and Compelling Direction

I've chosen an order that works well and makes the reader want to find out what's coming next.

3 – Some Really Smooth Parts, Others Need Work

The order of ideas or events makes sense most of the time.

1 – Not Shaped Yet

The order in my paper is jumbled and confused. I'm feeling dizzy!

           

VOICE

5 – Really Individual and Powerful

My paper has lots of personality. It sounds different from the way anyone else writes.

3 – Individuality Fades In and Out

What I truly think and feel shows up sometimes.

1 – Not Yet Me

I'm not comfortable sharing what I truly think and feel yet.

 

WORD CHOICE

5 – Extremely Clear, Visual and Accurate

I picked just the right words.

3 – Correct But Not Striking

The words in my paper get the message across, but they don't capture anyone's imagination or attention.

1 – Confusing, Misused Words, and Phrases

My reader often asks, "What did you mean by this?"

           

SENTENCE FLUENCY

5 – Varied and Natural

My sentences are clear and delightful to read aloud.

3 – Routine and Functional

Some sentences are choppy or awkward, but most are clear.

1 – Needs Work

There isn't enough "sentence sense" yet. This paper is difficult to read aloud, even with practice.

 

CONVENTIONS

5 – Mostly Correct

There are a few errors in my paper. It wouldn't take long to get this ready to publish.

3 – About Halfway Home

A number of mistakes in my paper need to be cleaned up before I am ready to publish.

1 – Editing Not Under Control

It would take a first reading to decode, and then a second reading to get the meaning of my paper.