Dissect rubrics for the 6 Traits of Writing

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.

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