Ideas—the content or the heart of the writing, with fresh, specific details that keep the reader’s interest. The purpose of the writing comes across.
Organization—how it is put together helps it flow and keeps your reader with you! There is an enticing introduction with a thesis statement, a body that “delivers the goods” introduced, and a conclusion that wraps it up and leaves the reader with something to ponder.
Word Choice—using not just the “right” word, but words that are engaging, precise, energetic and appropriate for the subject and the audience. For persuasive pieces one uses “loaded emotionally charged words” to persuade. Pepper your writing with ”sensory” words to help give the right mental pictures, but avoid thesaurus overload. Common ordinary words can be used effectively too.
Voice—when you can sense the reader behind the words. The writing seems uniquely written by that one and only author whose personality comes through. The writing has honesty and conviction.
Sentence Fluency—words are put together in such a way that they scream to be read aloud. Sentences are the music you make to keep your reader entertained. There may be surprises. Some sentences are long and stretchy, some are short and snappy and the beginnings are full of variety. Repetition is used purposefully and only for a certain effect.
Conventions—the mechanics, grammar and spelling of the piece. Words are used correctly (your, you’re, there, their, they’re, our, are, to, too, two, etc.). Pronouns and their antecedents match in gender and number. Sentences contain a subject and predicate—no fragments unless for stylistic effect, and then only minimally. Spelling, punctuation and capitalization rules are followed too.
Answering an essay question? Find out how by clicking HERE:
