WritingWriting
High School
My essay or letter will explain successfully if I select specific, relevant content and organize my writing well. That means I should
q follow the directions given in the writing prompt;
q narrow my topic;
q stay focused on the main ideas;
q elaborate by using reasons, well-chosen and specific details, examples, and/or anecdotes to support my ideas;
q include information that is interesting, thoughtful, and necessary for my audience to know;
q organize my writing with an introduction, supporting paragraphs with main points and elaboration, and an effective conclusion;
q organize my writing in effective paragraphs; and
q use transitions to connect my ideas.
My essay or letter will explain successfully if I demonstrate an effective style. That means I should
q show that I care about my topic by writing in a voice appropriate for my audience and purpose,
q use language that is appropriate for my audience and purpose,
q use specific words and phrases that help the reader understand my ideas, and
q use sentences of varied length and structure.
My essay or letter will explain successfully if I follow conventions in writing. That means I should
q follow the rules of Standard English usage,
q spell words correctly,
q use correct capitalization,
q use correct punctuation,
q write complete sentences, and
q indicate where new paragraphs begin.
Writing
High School
My essay or letter will be convincing if I select specific, relevant content and organize my writing well. That means I should
q follow the directions given in the writing prompt;
q have a clear position and stay focused on that position;
q have more than one argument to support my position;
q elaborate by using reasons, well-chosen and specific details, examples, anecdotes, facts, and/or statistics as evidence to support my arguments;
q organize my writing to make the best case for my position;
q anticipate and refute the opposing position;
q begin my writing with an opening, include a statement of position, and end my writing with an effective persuasive conclusion, such as a call for action; and
q use transitions to connect my position, arguments, and evidence.
My essay or letter will be convincing if I demonstrate an effective style. That means I should
q show that I am committed to my position by writing in a voice appropriate for audience and purpose;
q use words, phrases, and persuasive techniques that urge or compel the reader to support my position; and
q use sentences of varied length and structure.
My essay or letter will be convincing if I follow conventions in writing. That means I should
q follow the rules of Standard English usage,
q spell words correctly,
q use correct capitalization,
q use correct punctuation,
q write complete sentences, and
q indicate where new paragraphs begin.