Ideas and Content

• Focused, clear
• Controlling idea
• Enough detail
• Selective, narrows topic
• Shows insight
• Writes from experience

Word Choice

• Strong vocabulary
• Natural, not forced
• Energetic verbs
• Precise nouns and modifiers
• Everyday words with a fresh twist
• Minimal use of repetition, cliches, abstract language

Organization

• Opens with a real lead
• Effective sequence
• Good pacing
• Smooth transitions
• Builds to high point, momentum
• Sense of resolution

Sentence Fluency

• Rhythmic sound
• Natural
• Easy on the ear
• Phrasing is poetic, musical
• Variety of length and structure
• No run-ons

Voice

• Person behind words
• Writer-reader interaction
• Audience awareness
• Commitment and involvement
• Conviction
• Text is lively
• Personal, individual, expressive text

Conventions

• Accurate spelling, punctuation, capitals, paragraphs, grammar
• Readable to a wide audience
• Evidence of proofreading

• from the Oregon Direct Writing Assessment (Northwest Regional Laboratory)