4	3	2	1
Ideas	Explores many different ideas in writing without worrying about which ones are good.	Explores different ideas in writing.	With help, explores some ideas in writing.	Does not explore ideas in writing.
Organization	Organizes writing in ways so that the information can be found when the reader needs it. Describes thoughts in an order that makes sense, making connections between them.	Organizes writing in a logical order. Makes connections between ideas.	Sometimes organizes writing in a way that does not make sense. Sometimes makes connections between ideas.	Does not organize ideas in an order that helps the reader understand what the student is trying to say. Does not make connections between ideas.
Voice	Uses writing that sounds natural and smooth when read aloud.	Uses writing that usually sounds natural and smooth when read aloud.	Uses writing that often sounds choppy and confusing.	Uses writing that does not sound natural and language that does not seem to fit or make sense.
Word Choice	Uses language that is vivid, interesting, and meaningful to the reader. Chooses the distinct, right vibrant words to describe the monster. Effectively uses comparisons to describe the monster. Enables the reader to “see” the monster exactly the way it is drawn.	Uses vivid, interesting language. Chooses some vibrant words to describe the monster. Uses comparisons to describe the monster. Enables the reader to “see” the monster almost exactly the way it is drawn.	Sometimes uses vivid, interesting language, but most of the writing is predictable. Mostly uses vague, general words to describe the monster. Uses comparisons that do not help describe the monster. Enables the reader to only “see” some of the monster the way it is drawn.	Uses language that is predictable and ordinary. Is often careless about the language used and does not make an effort to find the right words. Does not use comparisons to describe the monster. Does not enable the reader to “see” the monster the way it is drawn.
Sentence Fluency	Use a variety of sentence lengths—some sentences are long, some are medium, and some are short. Consistently begins sentences with different words and phrases so they do not all sound the same.	Uses some variety in sentence length. Begins most sentences in different ways.	Uses many sentences that are about the same length. Begins some sentences with the same kind of phrase or word.	Uses sentences that are all about the same length. Begins many sentences with the same kind of phrase or word.
Conventions	Uses correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization effectively to help writing make sense.	Usually uses correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization effectively. If errors are present, they do not detract from the meaning of writing.	Includes some spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization errors that are distracting.	Does not pay attention to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization, and the errors make the writing hard to understand.