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6-Trait Writing Rubric

Trait Focus
Purpose
Extends a clear message, theme, or story
line that addresses a given prompt while
reflecting some awareness of the
reader/audience.
Information
Provides specific, accurate, relevant ideas
that develop the message, theme, or story
line chosen by the student in response to a
given prompt.

Organization
Reading follows a logical sequence of
paragraphing from introduction to
conclusion, complete with an engaging
introduction, smooth transitions and a
suitable conclusion

Word Choice
Appropriate selection of vivid, precise,
energetic verbs and creative phrasing paint a
clear image of ideas presented.
Sentence Structure
Attention is maintained through an effective
use of simple sentences, complex sentences,
and appropriate use of sentence fragments.

Grammar / Mechanics
Grammatically correct, legible presentation
of sentence and paragraph structure with
accurate spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization. MLA format.

Strong Writer
Recognizably responds to assigned prompt
Thesis is clear, focused, and challenging
Thesis controls the entire paper
Essay demonstrates awareness of audience
Essay starts strong and ends strong
Appropriate title that defines the essay
Ideas that address the writing prompt are
clearly stated and thoroughly discussed
Amount of commentary is proportional to
the amount of concrete detail presented
Specific and relevant concrete details,
quotations, and/or evidence is presented
Analysis is engaging and original
Paragraphs are arranged in a clear and
logical order according to the thesis
All paragraphs are connected with smooth
and effective transitions
Strong topic sentences give every paragraph
a clear sense of purpose
Highly engaging introduction paragraph
Highly engaging conclusion paragraph

Precise and appropriate words to convey


meaning and capture attention.
Expression is fresh and appealing
To be verbs are used purposefully
Consistent use of strong and varied sentence
structure.
Commendable use of semicolons.
Quotations and/or passages are incorporated
effectively and correctly into essay.
Superior editing. Rarely makes errors in
spelling, mechanics, grammar and/or usage
Essay follows MLA manuscript format

Developing Writer
Essay neglects a portion of the prompt
Thesis is clear
Thesis somewhat controls entire paper
Limited awareness of audience
Essay starts strong but fizzles at end
Title is present, but somewhat insignificant
Ideas addressing the prompt are stated but
sometimes vaguely or unclearly discussed
Acceptable amount of commentary
Mostly relevant concrete details
A few details seem random, irrelevant or
unnecessary to prove the thesis
Some ideas are underdeveloped
Essay attempts to arrange paragraphs in an
effective order according to the thesis
Attempt is made to connect paragraphs
with smooth transitions.
Some paragraphs are out of order
according to the thesis statement
Some paragraphs lack strong topic
sentences and/or a clear sense of purpose
Suitable introduction paragraph
Suitable concluding paragraph
Words are generally flat, and lack variety,
although some attempt at colorful
expression is made.
Allowable number of to be verbs
Some use of varied sentence structures
A few run-on or fragmented sentences that
dont interfere with meaning
Most quotations and/or passages are
incorporated correctly and effectively.
Attempt is made at using semicolons
Adequate editing. Some errors in spelling,
mechanics, grammar and/or usage; but
errors do not impede understanding.
Essay follows most MLA style guidelines
with a few exceptions

Beginning Writer
Essay fails to address assigned prompt.
Thesis is missing, too narrow, broad, vague,
a statement of fact, or poorly written
Essay fails to fully support the Thesis
Little or no awareness of the audience
No title is presented
Inadequate amount of commentary
Inadequate amount of textual support,
concrete details, quotations, etc.
Too much information seems inaccurate,
random, unclear, or often unnecessary
Essay tends to summarize the plot
Ideas are generalized or repetitive
Organization of information and/or
paragraphs is random, unclear or illogical
No use of transitions between paragraphs
Many paragraphs lack a topic sentence
Many paragraphs lack a clear sense of
purpose or seem unfocused
Weak, underdeveloped, or inadequate
introduction or conclusion paragraph
Missing introductory or concluding
paragraph.
Inappropriate word choice: I, you
Essay not written in present tense.
Uses colloquial, slang, or trite expressions
Overuse of to be verbs
Uses mostly simple sentences
Too many run-on & fragment sentences that
interfere with meaning
Too many sentences tend to ramble
Quotes and/or passages are not incorporated
into text of essay effectively or correctly.
Careless editing. Makes frequent errors in
spelling, mechanics, grammar, and/or usage
that impede understanding.
Illegible writing / unacceptable appearance
Essay fails to follow MLA format and style

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