Six Traits Writing Rubric
Part One
Content / Ideas
Advanced/5-6: The writing is focused, well developed, and enhanced by details.
    A. The thesis is a clear and concise opinion statement.
    B. The thesis is strongly supported by well-chosen and integrated concrete details with commentary (the so what?).
    C. Ideas are engaging or sophisticated.  They reflect original thinking and/or thoughtful analysis.
Acceptable/3-4: The writing may be focused, but it is only partially developed and may lack necessary details.
    A. The thesis is present; however, it may be too broad or too specific, or it is merely implied rather than directly stated..
    B. The thesis is supported by concrete details with commentary, but either may be too general or insufficient in number.
    C. Ideas are trite, e.g. unoriginal, uninspired, ordinary, unimaginative, drab, unexciting, spiritless, tiresome.
Unacceptable/1-2: The writing lacks focus, is incompletely developed, and has few details.
    A. The thesis is not a clear opinion statement or not evident.
    B. Support for the thesis is minimal or non-evident; concrete details are lacking, unclear, or unrelated to the topic sentence (and/or thesis).
        There may be no commentary to explain the details and make connections to the thesis.
    C. Ideas are trite, e.g.  unoriginal, uninspired, ordinary, unimaginative, drab, unexciting, spiritless, tiresome.

Organization
Advanced/5-6: Organization supports the central idea (thesis). The order and structure move the reader through the text easily.
    A. An interesting introduction draws the reader into the paper, and a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of resolution.
    B. Smooth, effective transitions exist among all elements (sentences, paragraphs, and ideas).
    C. Organizational patterns are logical and sequential. Paragraphing is natural and appropriate.  The essays flows smoothly from one idea to the next.
Acceptable/3-4: Organization supports the central idea (thesis). However, the order and structure do not readily move the reader through the text..
    A. The introduction and conclusion are present.
    B. Transitions are present but commonplace, inappropriate, or excessive.
    C. Organizational patterns are present but predictable. Paragraphing is not consistently natural and appropriate.
Unacceptable/1-2:: Organization neither supports nor develops the central idea (thesis). The lack of order and structure detract from the readeršs understanding.
    A. The introduction and conclusion are not present.
    B. Transitions are nonexistent.
    C. Organizational patterns are haphazard and disjointed. Paragraphing is not utilized or is misapplied.

Conventions (spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, sentence structure)
Advanced/5-6:  The writer correctly utilizes a wide range of standard writing conventions. Some minor errors may exist, but they do not detract from the overall    quality of the essay.  
Acceptable/3-4:  The writer shows reasonable control over a limited range of standard writing conventions; however, a variety of errors or frequent errors detract from the quality and readability of the essay.
Unacceptable/1-2:  The writer demonstrates limited control of standard writing conventions. Errors are serious and excessive and interfere with readability of  the essay.

Source:  http://senior.billings.k12.mt.us/6traits/index.htm  (with modifications)

 

Six Traits Writing Rubric
Part Two

Word Choice
Advanced/5-6: The language is rich, natural, and yet succinct.
    A. Words are specific, precise, and appropriate.
    B. Powerful words provide energy for the paper.
Acceptable/3-4: The language is functional, and the message is conveyed.
    A. Words are generally correct and appropriate but may be ordinary.
    B. Powerful words are occasionally present.
    C. Expression is clear but cliches and redundancy may exist.
Unacceptable/1-2: The language is awkward and unclear.
    A. Words are limited, dull, and abstract.
    B. No powerful words are used.
    C. The writer uses a limited vocabulary and/or excessive jargon.

Sentence Fluency
Advanced/5: The writing has a natural flow and rhythm.
    A. Varied sentence structure and length demonstrate conscious planning.
    B. The sentences are rhythmic and graceful.
Acceptable/3: The writing moves mechanically.
    A. The writer shows control over simple sentence structure, but uses complex sentences infrequently.
    B. The sentence rhythm is attempted but inconsistent.
Unacceptable/1: The writing moves awkwardly.
    A. The sentences tend to be choppy, incomplete, or rambling.
    B. The sentence rhythm is clumsy and jarring.

Voice
Advanced/5: The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling and engaging. The writer is aware and respectful of the audience and the purpose for writing.
    A. The reader feels a strong interaction with the writer, sensing the person behind the words.
    B. The writer takes a risk by revealing who they are and what they think.
    C. The writing makes you think about and react to the author's point of view.
Acceptable/3: The writer seems sincere, but not fully engaged or involved. The result is pleasant or even personable, but not compelling.
    A. The writing communicates in an earnest, pleasing manner.
    B. Only one or two moments here or there surprise, delight, or move the reader.
    C. The writer seems aware of an audience but weighs ideas carefully and discards personal insights in favor of safe generalities.
Unacceptable/1: The writer seems indifferent, uninvolved, or distanced from the topic and/or audience. As a result, the paper reflects more than one of the following problems:
    A. The writer speaks in a kind of monotone that flattens all potential highs or lows of the message.
    B. The writing is humdrum and risk-free.
    C. The writer is not concerned with the audience, or the writer's style is a complete mismatch for the intended reader.

Source:  http://senior.billings.k12.mt.us/6traits/index.htm  (with modifications)