Six Traits Writing Rubric

Writing Rubric for 6 + 1 Traits Writing

Use the six traits writing rubric to evaluate and guide your students' writing.

FREE download of 6 + 1 Trait Writing Rubric BELOW

Elements of the Six Traits Writing Rubric

Ideas

5 Points: Interesting ideas and relevent information on a specific theme
3 Points: Broad topic with general information
1 Point: No specific ideas about the theme

Organization

5 Points:Organization is logical and assists in communicating the ideas.
3 Points: Ideas are loosely organized. Sequencing, connections, transitions are not always apparent.
1 Point: No clear order to the content.

Voice

5 Points: The writer captures the reader’s attention. The topic obviously interests the writer.
3 Points: The writer has some interest in the topic; but does not try to arouse the reader’s interest.
1 Point: The writer does not seem interested in the content.

Word Choice

5 Points: The words effectively and actively communicate the writer’s message.
3 Points: Words communicate the meaning, but are general, common, or repetitive terms.
1 Point: The words used are below the expected vocabulary of the writer.

Sentence Fluency

5 Points: The writing flows from one sentence to the next. There are a variety of sentence types. Transitions, dialogue, and quotes are used. It is enjoyable to read out loud.
3 Points: Sentences are constructed correctly but do not flow from one to the next. When read out loud, some sentences are awkward. Poor sentence structure or repetition of the same type of sentence is sometimes present.
1 Point: It is difficult to read out loud without multiple corrections.

Writing Conventions

5 Points: Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are excellent.
3 Points: Spelling, punctuation and grammar are generally correct. A few revisions are needed.
1 Point: Multiple errors distract the reader.

Presentation

5 Points: It is neat with a professional and artistic appearance.
3 Points: It is readable. Some attempts at using visuals or font changes are apparent.
1 Point: The final product has a sloppy appearance.

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Writing Lessons with a Twist

K through 2nd

Live It Up, Write It Down

Kindergarten through second grade students will get a bang out of this curriculum. First they do a hands-on activity; then they write about it.

Their thoughts turn into sentences; their sentences turn into a paragraph. One step at a time, a budding writer develops.

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3rd to 8th Grade

Write On: The Kid-Friendly Way to Write

With a carefully crafted process, students start with simple sentences, turn their thoughts into paragraphs, develop their ideas into essays, then combine their skills to create a thesis.

In between structured reports, creative writing exercises stretch their imagination and build their writing style.

This unique program can be used with multi-level learning and fits in with most unit study curriculums. Written for average 3rd to 8th grade writers, some activities can be adapted for writers in different situations.

More About Six Traits Writing

Learn more about Six Traits Writing. Find strategies to use with the six traits writing rubric to progressively improve your students writing skills.