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6+1 Trait Writing Model:
Tall Tale
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| CATEGORY | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Introduction (Organization) | The introduction is inviting, states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper. | The introduction clearly states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper, but is not particularly inviting to the reader. | The introduction states the main topic, but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper nor is it particularly inviting to the reader. | There is no clear introduction of the main topic or structure of the paper. |
| Sequencing (Organization) | Details are placed in a logical order and the way they are presented effectively keeps the interest of the reader. | Details are placed in a logical order, but the way in which they are presented/introduced sometimes makes the writing less interesting. | Some details are not in a logical or expected order, and this distracts the reader. | Many details are not in a logical or expected order. There is little sense that the writing is organized. |
| Conclusion (Organization) | The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer is "getting at." | The conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all the loose ends. | The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends. | There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends. |
| Pacing (Organization) | The pacing is well-controlled. The writer knows when to slow down and elaborate, and when to pick up the pace and move on. | The pacing is generally well-controlled but the writer occasionally does not elaborate enough. | The pacing is generally well-controlled but the writer sometimes repeats the same point over and over, or spends too much time on details that don't matter. | The pacing often feels awkward to the reader. The writer elaborates when there is little need, and then leaves out necessary supporting information. |
| Adding Personality (Voice) | The writer seems to be writing from knowledge or experience. The author has taken the ideas and made them "his own." | The writer seems to be drawing on knowledge or experience, but there is some lack of ownership of the topic. | The writer relates some of his own knowledge or experience, but it adds nothing to the discussion of the topic. | The writer has not tried to transform the information in a personal way. The ideas and the way they are expressed seem to belong to someone else. |
| Sentence Length (Sentence Fluency) | Every paragraph has sentences that vary in length. | Almost all paragraphs have sentences that vary in length. | Some sentences vary in length. | Sentences rarely vary in length. |
| Grammar & Spelling (Conventions) | Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. | Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. | Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. | Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. |
| Penmanship (Conventions) | Paper is neatly written or typed with no distracting corrections. | Paper is neatly written or typed with 1 or 2 distracting corrections (e.g., dark cross-outs; bumpy white-out, words written over). | The writing is generally readable, but the reader has to exert quite a bit of effort to figure out some of the words. | Many words are unreadable OR there are several distracting corrections. |
| Word Choice | Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced. | Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. | Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. | Writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or cliches may be present and detract from the meaning. |
| Flow & Rhythm (Sentence Fluency) | All sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud. Each sentence is clear and has an obvious emphasis. | Almost all sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but 1 or 2 are stiff and awkward or difficult to understand. | Most sentences sound natural and are easy-on-the-ear when read aloud, but several are stiff and awkward or are difficult to understand. | The sentences are difficult to read aloud because they sound awkward, are distractingly repetitive, or difficult to understand. |
| Date Created: 2002-07-24 |
Copyright. © 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 ALTec, the University of Kansas |