1. What to look for when evaluating a piece of writing.

2. -Avoid Repetition -Correct capitalization -Correct format (indentation) -Be organized -Neatness -Clarity of ideas -Conventions -Correct punctuation -Engaging Intro -Strong body paragraphs -Correct spelling -Strong conclusion -Make transitions clear -Stay on topic -Any opinions backed up with facts -Emotional affect -Strong argument -Appropriate length for purpose -Mature vocab. -Correct grammar -Ideas and order make sense -Use good examples -Good word choice -Interesting and creative -avoid a “standard format” -Personality -Details that are relevant and supportive -multiple -Interest in topic -Must have a clear purpose and meet it points of -Sentence Fluency -Descriptive and figurative language view -Formality -Sources cited -reject opposing arguments -Lack of stupidity -Make sure you’re using correct information

3. SIX TRAITS OF GOOD WRITING: IDEASWORD CHOICE ORGANIZATIONSENTENCE FLUENCY VOICECONVENTIONS

4. TRAIT ONE: IDEAS  Shows interest in topic  Makes topic interesting to reader  Topic is clear and obvious  Ideas are relevant to/supporting of main topic  Ideas should be expressed clearly TRAIT TWO: ORGANIZATION  Paragraphs in correct format (# of sent., indentions, etc.)  Topics are in a logical order; not randomly distributed  Text Structure/Format is appropriate to writing purpose

5. TRAIT THREE: VOICE  The writer’s personality is apparent  Writer’s interest in topic is obvious  Any narration format is used consistently  Writer’s personal feelings are expressed (when appropriate)  Writer’s expression of ideas is unique TRAIT FOUR: WORD CHOICE  Writer uses mature vocab.  Writer uses words correctly  Words are descriptive; create interest  Replaces simple words with more complex synonyms  Use of figurative language is appropriate to audience and purpose  Words should be appropriate to purpose  Words should be appropriate to audience

6. TRAIT FIVE: SENTENCE FLUENCY  Sentences make sense when combined  Sentences should sound “smooth” when read aloud  Variety of sentence types and lengths  Sentence structure should be correct  Sentences should express complete thoughts.  NO RUN-ON SENTENCES! TRAIT SIX: CONVENTIONS  Spelling  Grammar -correct terminology, subject-verb agreement, try not to end sent. w/ prepositions, etc.  Punctuation -commas, apostrophes, end marks, semicolons, quotes, parentheses, etc.  Capitalization -beginning of sent., proper nouns, abbreviations