Composing

1.  Central idea--What is the central idea?  What is the topic about?
2.  Clarity--Is the piece of writing clear?  Do you understand what the author is writing?
3.  Point of view--Does the piece of writing have a consistent point of view?
4.  Elaboration--Does the writer elaborate by using details that go beyond the obvious?
5.  Organization--Is there a beginning, middle, and ending?
6.  Transitions--Does the writer incorporate some of these transitions?
7.  Is the essay easy to follow?
8,  Details, illustrations, examples?
 
 

Written Expression

1.  Strong, human voice that shows the thumbprint of the writer
2.  Appropriate for the audience, topic, purpose
3.  Lively language / words that create pictures in the reader's mind
4.  Strong ACTION verbs and precise nouns
5.  Concise, simple language used eloquently
6.  Rhythmic, varied sentences
7.  Easy to read out loud
8.  Dialogue
9.  Cohesiveness
10.  Five Elements of Style