Essay Rubric

6+1 Trait Writing Model

Student Name:

Category 4 3 2 1
There is one clear, Main idea is clear, Main idea is The main idea is not
well-focused topic. but the supporting somewhat clear, but clear. There is a
Focus on topic Main idea stands out information is there is a need for seemingly random
(content) and is supported by general. more supporting collection of
detailed information. information. information.
All supportive facts Almost all supportive Most supportive facts No facts are reported
Accuracy of facts are reported facts are reported are reported or most are
(content) accurately. accurately. accurately. inaccurately reported.
The introduction is The introduction The introduction There is no clear
inviting, states the clearly states the states the main topic, introduction of the
main topic, and main topic and but does not main topic or
Introduction previews the structure previews the structure adequately preview structure of the paper.
(organization) of the paper. of the paper, but it is the structure of the
not particularly paper nor is it
inviting to the reader. particularly inviting
to the reader.
Details are placed in Details are placed in Some details are not Many details are not
a logical order and a logical order, but in a logical or in a logical or
Sequencing the way they are the way they are expected order, and expected order. There
(organization) presented effectively presented sometimes this distracts the is little sense that the
keeps the interest of makes the writing reader. writing is organized.
the reader. less interesting.
All sentences sound Almost all sentences Most sentences sound The sentences are
natural and are easy- sound natural and are natural and are easy- difficult to read aloud
on-the-ear when read easy-on-the-ear when on-the-ear when read because they sound
Flow & rhythm aloud. Each sentence read aloud, but 1 or 2 aloud, but several are awkward, are
(sentence fluency) is clear and has an are awkward or awkward or difficult distractingly
obvious emphasis. difficult to to understand. repetitive, or difficult
understand. to understand.
Writer uses vivid Writer uses vivid Writer uses words Writer uses a limited
words and phrases words and phrases that communicate vocabulary, which
that linger or draw that linger or draw clearly, but the does not
pictures in the pictures in the writing lacks variety, communicate
reader's mind, and the reader's mind, but punch, or flair. strongly or capture
Word choice choice and placement occasionally the the reader's interest.
of the words seems words are used Jargon or clichés may
accurate, natural, and inaccurately or seem be present and
not forced. overdone. detract from the
meaning.

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