Six-Trait Rubric for Writing
The Six Traits of Writing is a way to assess and discuss the various components of a written essay, story, poem, etc.
A student's written work is rated 1-5 (5 is highest) on each individual Trait. For example, a student may score a 4 for Ideas and Content, but 2.5 on Conventions. Students should be scoring around a 3 on most Traits. Above 3 indicates an above-average writing sample for that trait, and below 3 indicates below-average writing in that trait area. 5's are rarely given, as they indicate nearly adult-level writing for that trait.
The traits are scored individually from one another, so the student and teacher can see what areas are strengths and what areas need to be focused on for improvement. Then a final total percentage score is assigned to the work by the teacher. This final score is assigned according to how well the student met the focus criteria of the assignment, and considering the overall picture of their Six Trait scores.
For more details about what each Trait entails, go to the Six Trait Editing Guide. For additional information, try the links on the English Index page.
The Six Traits that are scored:
(click for additional information on each trait)
Simple definitions of the 1-5 scoring:
- Prewriting/Searching
- Rudimentary
- Developing
- Maturing
- In Control on this trait