Ideas make up the content of the piece of writing—the heart of the message.

• Select an idea on one main topic
• Narrow the focus of the idea
• Elaborate on the main idea with plenty of information for support
• Describe important info to best convey the main idea
• Include fresh, original ideas and perspectives

Organization is the internal structure of the piece, the logical pattern of the ideas.

• Begin your writing with an inviting intro that gives some clues about what is to come (DO NOT begin with “My name is Wilbur and I’m going to tell you about…”)
• Use thoughtful transitions that link key points and ideas
• Follow a logical sequence in your writing that is both purposeful and effective
• End your writing with a conclusion that wraps it all up but leaves the reader with something to think about (DO NOT end with “and now you know all about…”)

Voice is the soul of the piece; it’s what conveys the writer’s personal style as all his or her feelings and convictions come out through the words.

• Emphasize your own thoughts in your writing
• Express your own thoughts and points of view clearly
• Keep the reader interested in the topic
• Encourage the reader to respond to the topic
• Demonstrate a sense of energy in your writing

Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader.

• Help the reader “see” the topic by using creative and descriptive words
• Use interesting words and phrases to support the topic and motivate the reader
• Choose words that clarify and expand ideas
• Provide good use of simple everyday words
• Avoid using repeat words or phrases

Sentence Fluency is the flow of the language, the sound of word patterns—the way the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye.

• Begin your sentences in different ways
• Vary the length and structure of your sentences
• Use interesting word patterns and creative language that makes reading feel natural
• Construct your sentences so that they can easily be read aloud
• Avoid awkward word patterns that slow the reader’s progress or make it difficult to understand

Conventions represent the level of correctness —the extent to which the writer uses grammar and mechanics with precision.

• Proofread and edit your writing
• Make sure all spelling is corrected (Don’t know?  Find out!)
• Correct all grammar, punctuation, and capitalization
• Check to be sure that each paragraph follows only one idea or thought
• Make sure that the entire piece is easy to follow and supports the main topic

Presentation zeros in on the form and layout —how pleasing the piece is to the eye.

• Make sure the piece is neat and easy to read with uniform spacing (Mind your margins!)
• Use legible and consistent handwriting or your best word processing skills
• Avoid using distracting, or hard-to-read fonts or complicated graphics
• Occasionally use bullets, numbers, side/sub headings to help readers decipher content
• Provide effective integration illustrations, charts, graphs, maps, tables, and so forth

Preceeding d escriptions from "Teacher's Friend"

Voice…Ideas…Presentation…Conventions…Organization…Word Choice…Sentence Fluency