Back to BES Forms...

Writing Assessment Traits

Ideas & Content

Organization

Voice
Score 5-The paper is clear and holds the reader's attention all the way through.
*The writer seems to know the topic well and chooses details that help make the subject clear and interesting.
*The writer is in control of the topic and has focused the topic well.
*Important ideas stand out. The writer uses the right amount of detail (not too much or too little) to make the important ideas clear.
Score 3- The reader can figure out what the writer is trying to say, but the paper may not hold the reader's attention all the way through.
*The writer has some things to say, but doesn't seem to know quite enough about the main idea (s).
*The writer may spend too much time on minor details and/or not enough time on main ideas.
Score 1-The paper is unclear and seems to have no purpose.
*The writer has not thoughtfully explored or presented ideas; he/she may not seem to know the topic very well.
*Ideas seem very limited or seem to go off in several directions. It seems as if the writer wrote just to get something down on paper.
*Ideas are not developed. The paper may just restate the assignment.		 Score 5-Ideas, details and examples are presented in an order that makes sense. The paper is very easy to follow.
*Paper has an inviting beginning and an ending that works well.
*Ideas, paragraphs and sentences are tied together so that the reader can see connections.
*Details seem to fit where they are placed.
Score 3- The writer has tried to present ideas in a way that makes sense, but the order may be unclear or may not work well.
*The introduction and ending are there, but one or both may be weak.
*Some details may seem out of place. Too much extra, unneeded information may get in the way of important ideas.
Score 1-Ideas seem tossed together, and the paper is hard to follow.
*There is no sense of beginning or ending.
*Ideas are not tied together. They often seem out of order or seem as if they do not fit together at all.
*In a story it may be hard to tell what happens first or next or last.
*Often the reader cannot tell how the writer got from one point to another.

 

 Score 5-The writer is very sincere, individual and honest. This paper stands out from the others.
*The writer seems to care deeply about the topic.
*The writer seems to speak right to the reader and to care about getting his or her ideas across.
*Paper may show originality, liveliness, excitement, humor or suspense.
Score 3-Writer tries to deal with the topic, but does not seem to get very involved.
*Paper gets the ideas across, but only in a routine sort of way. The reader can almost guess what the writer will say next.
*Instead of trying something new or unusual, the writer may repeat ideas everyone has heard or read before.
*The writer seems to know that he or she had an audience, but does not write to that audience in a personal way.
Score 1-The writer seems to make no effort to deal seriously with the topic.
*The writer may not have understood the assignment, or may not have cared about saying anything serious or important.
*The writer does not seem to be writing to anyone in particular or to care whether the words or ideas will make sense to anyone else.
*The paper is flat and lifeless. It has no feeling.

Writing Assessment Traits

Word Choice

Sentence Fluency

Writing Conventions
Score 5-Writer carefully selects words to make message clear.
*Words are accurate, strong and specific.
*The writer may experiment with new words or use everyday words in a new, interesting way.
*The writer uses colorful expression and experiments with figurative language effectively. Imagery is well developed.
*Words are fresh, original and fun to read.
Score 3-The writer chooses words that get the message across, but only in a very ordinary way.
*Words are very general or ordinary.
*The writer doesn't try for the "best" way to say something, but settles for any word or phrase that "will do."
*"Big" words are used only to impress the reader.
*The writer may rely on slang or clichés (the same words and phrases everyone has heard over and over).
Score 1-The writer struggles with a limited vocabulary and has a hard time finding the right words to get the meaning across.
*Words are vague and flat.
*No new words are attempted.
*Words create no clear images.
*The writer may repeat words or phrases or may use words incorrectly.

 

 Score5-Paper is easy to read and understand. It flows smoothly from one idea to the next.
*The writing sounds natural, not choppy, awkward or forced.
*Sentence structure is varied and adds interest.
*Sentence structure is correct. Run-ons or fragments, if present are effective.
*The writing is concise (not wordy).
Score 3-Most sentences are understandable, but not very smooth or graceful.
*The reader may have to reread sometimes to follow the meaning.
*The writer tends to start many sentences the same way.
*The writer can use simple sentences effectively, but may have trouble with more complex sentences.
*Run-ons or fragments, if present may be confusing.
*The writing may be wordy.
Score1-Sentence flaws make this paper hard to read and understand.
*The writer does not seem to understand how words and sentences fit together.
*Sentences are often awkward, rambling and/or confusing. The writer may use many short, choppy sentences.
*Writing does not follow sentence patterns people use when they talk. It is hard to read aloud.
*Run-ons or fragment are confusing.		 Score5-There are no glaring errors in writing conventions and the paper is easy to read and understand.
*Punctuation is correct and helps the reader understand each sentence.
*Spelling is accurate.
*No major errors in grammar (Subjects and verbs agree).
*Paragraphs start and stop at the right places.
Score 3-The reader can follow what is being said, but there are enough mistakes that the reader SOMETIMES has difficulty concentration on what the writer is saying.
* Punctuation errors reflect hasty or careless editing.
*Spelling errors sometimes cause the reader to stop or reread.
*There are some errors in grammar.
*The writer tries to use paragraphs, but they may not always begin in the right places.
Score 1-There are so many errors in conventions that the reader has a very hard time just getting through it.
*The writer shows little understanding of how or when to use capital letters or punctuation marks.
*Spelling errors are frequent and it may be hard even to guess what word is meant.
*Errors in grammar are very common and stand out.
*Paragraphs do not come at the right place--a long paper as one paragraph or a new paragraph with each sentence.

Back to BES Forms...