Learning Center
writing
Dissect rubrics for the 6 Traits of Writing
April 27, 2015


For most state and national writing assessments, students typically earn a passing score for their strong execution of the traits of ideas and organization. This typically includes communicating relevant and well-developed information. Add to that a solid introduction and conclusion with a middle that flows in a logical order. The emphasis on first-draft writing is always on the traits of ideas and organization. Be sure your writers know this!
Although many rubric criteria includes word choice, sentence fluency, and/or voice (sometimes referred to as “style”), it’s usually not essential in the passing levels. NOTE: These expectations are likely part of the “exceeding” or “pass-plus” levels.
To see the emphasis on the traits of ideas and organization, read through the blue and green portions of the downloadable rubrics listed below.
- SAT Rubric
- ACT Writing Rubric
- Smarter Balanced Rubrics
- PARCC Rubrics
- Indiana ILEARN Rubrics
- Ohio ELA State Test Rubrics
- Kentucky On-Demand Writing Rubrics (Grade 5, Grade 8, Grade 11)
- Tennessee TN Ready Rubrics (Grades 2-3, Grades 4-5)
NOTE: Each rubric utilizes the same color key:
- Skills that fall under the trait of ideas are all in blue text.
- Skills that fall under the trait of organization are all in green text.
- Skills that fall under the trait of voice are all in pink text.
- Skills that fall under the trait of word choice are all in red text.
- Skills that fall under the trait of sentence fluency are all in orange text.
- Skills that fall under the trait of conventions are all in purple text.