iRubric: Six Trait Writing Rubric

Not shaped yet. The order of my paper
is jumbled and confused.

a) There really isn’t a beginning or introduction to
my paper. It just takes off.
b) I’m confused about how the details fit with the
main idea or story line.
c) My ideas seem scrambled, jumbled and
disconnected.!
d) Conclusion! Oops, I forgot.

Some parts need
work. The order makes sense most of the
time.

a) I have a beginning but it doesn’t grab you
or give clues about what is coming.
b) Sometimes it is not clear how some of the
details connect to the story or main idea.
c) Some of the details should come earlier or later.
I may have lingered too long in some areas and
sped through others.
d) I have a uncompleted conclusion

Some really smooth parts, others need
work. The order makes sense most of the
time.

a) I have a beginning but it doesn’t really grab you
or give clues about what is coming.
b) Sometimes it is not clear how some of the
details connect to the story or main idea.
c) Some of the details should come earlier or later.
I may have lingered too long in some areas and
sped through others.
d) I have a conclusion, but it is ho-hum.

Somewhat clear and compelling. I have chosen an
order that works well and makes the reader
want to find out what comes next.

a) My beginning grabs the reader’s attention but lacks clues about what is coming.
b) Some details add a little more to the main idea
or story.
c) My details are in the right place.
d) I ended at a good sot. I have a firm
conclusion or ending.

Clear and compelling. I have chosen an
order that works well and makes the reader
want to find out what comes next.

a) My beginning grabs the reader’s attention and
gives clues about what is coming.
b) Every detail adds a little more to the main idea
or story.
c) My details are in the right place.
d) I ended at a good sot. I have a strong
conclusion or ending.

Confusing. The reader is often asking
“What did they mean by this?”

a) A lot of words and phrases are vague. (We
were friends and stuff.)
b) My words don’t make pictures yet. (It was
awesome.)
c) Some of my words are misused.
d) Over and over I used the same words over and
over, until my paper was over.

Some words are not use correctly. Some words get
the message across, but don’t capture the
reader’s attention.

a) I used everyday words pretty well but I did not
stretch for a new and better way to say things.
b) Most of the time the reader will have to struggle to figure out what
I mean.
c) My words aren’t real specific. Better, juicy
details.
d) I used tired out cliches or phrases.

Correct but not striking. The words get
the message across, but don’t capture the
reader’s attention.

a) I used everyday words pretty well but I did not
stretch for a new and better way to say things.
b) Most of the time the reader will figure out what
I mean even if a few words are messed up.
c) My words aren’t real specific. Better, juicy
details.
d) I used tired out cliches or phrases.

Somewhat clear, visual, and accurate. I picked the right words for the right places.

a) My words are colorful, but cliche. You might find overdone, vague or flowery
language.
b) All the words in my paper fit. Each one seems
just okay.
c) My verbs are not so energetic.
d) Some of the words and phrases are vivid, but the don't know if the reader will soon forget.

Extremely clear, visual, and accurate. I
picked the right words for the right places.

a) My words are colorful, snappy, vital, brisk and
fresh. You won’t find overdone, vague or flowery
language.
b) All the words in my paper fit. Each one seems
just right.
c) Look at all my energetic verbs!
d) Some of the words and phrases are so vivid the
reader won’t soon forget them.

Editing not under control yet. It would take
a first reading to decode and a second reading to
get the message.

a) Spelling errors are common, even simple words.
b) Capital letters are scattered all over or not at all.
c) I haven’t got the hang of paragraphs yet.
d) Punctuation is very limited and makes reading
this paper difficult.
e) Frequent grammatical errors, I haven’t spent
much time editing this paper.

Noticeable, frequent, distracting errors; line-by-line editing required; little attention to layout.

a) Spelling is correct on simple words. It may not
be right on harder words.
b) Most sentences and proper nouns begin with
capitals, but a few have been over looked.
c) At least one paragraph is present. Others might
not all begin in the right spots.
d) Problems in punctuation make the reader
stumble and pause now and then.
e) Several grammar problems are

About halfway there. A number of
bothersome mistakes need cleaning up.

a) Spelling is correct on simple words. It may not
be right on harder words.
b) Most sentences and proper nouns begin with
capitals, but a few have been over looked.
c) At least one paragraph is present. Others might
not all begin in the right spots.
d) Problems in punctuation make the reader
stumble and pause now and then.
e) Several grammar problems are evident.

Noticeable, but minor errors that do not obscure meaning; needs a good once-over; acceptable layout.

a) My spelling is accurate.
b) I have used capitals correctly.
c) Every paragraph is not indented to show where a
new idea begins.
d) Some periods, commas, exclamation marks, and
quotation marks are misplaced.
e) My grammar/usage is consistent and shows
some control.

Mostly correct. There are very few
errors in my paper.

a) My spelling is accurate.
b) I have used capitals correctly.
c) Every paragraph is indented to show where a
new idea begins.
d) Periods, commas, exclamation marks, and
quotation marks are in the right places.
e) My grammar/usage is consistent and shows
control.