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Ideas/Content Organization Voice
This trait addresses the writer's theme (the point of the writer's message) along with the supporting details that develop and enrich that theme. Main ideas are communicated and are supported by details that show an exploration of the topic appropriate to audience and purpose. This trait addresses the structure of a piece of writing including the thread of central meaning and the patterns that hold the piece together. Transitions move the reader from one point to the next. This trait shows the writer's interest and commitment to the topic. The type of voice will vary according to the purpose and kind of piece, but it should be appropriately formal or casual, distant or intimate, depending on the purpose or audience.
Word Choice Sentence Fluency Conventions
This trait reflects the writer's use of specific words and phrases to convey the intended message in an interesting, precise, and natural way appropriate to the audience and purpose. This trait addresses the rhythm and flow of language, the sound of word patterns, and a variety of sentence structures and beginnings that please the ear if read aloud. This trait addresses the mechanics of writing: punctuation, spelling, paragraph breaks (indenting), capitalization, grammar and usage.

Although the Voice and Sentence Fluency traits are not included in the calculation of a student's composite score,
it is best teaching practice to analyze work according to all of the six traits.


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