Number
|
Level
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Looks Like
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1
|
Not Yet
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The writing lacks coherence; organization seems haphazard and disjointed. Even after rereading, the reader remains confused. The writing is characterized by:
- a lack of effective sequencing.
- a failure to provide an identifiable beginning, body, and/or ending.
- a lack of transitions.
- pacing that is consistently awkward; the reader feels either mired down in trivia or rushed along too rapidly.
- a lack of organization which ultimately obscures or distorts the main point.
|
2
|
Emerging
|
The writing lacks a clear organizational structure. An occasional organizational device is discernible; however, the writing is either difficult to follow and the reader has to reread substantial portions, or the piece is simply too short to demonstrate organizational skills. The writing is characterized by:
- some attempts at sequencing, but the order of the relationship among ideas is frequently unclear.
- a missing or extremely undeveloped beginning, body, and/or ending.
- a lack of transitions, or when present, ineffective or overused transitions.
- a lack of an effective organizational structure.
- details that seem to be randomly placed, leaving the reader frequently confused.
- attempts organization, but the reader has to figure it out.
|
3
|
Developing
|
An attempt has been made to organize the writing; however, the overall structure is inconsistent or skeletal.
The writing is characterized by:
- attempts at sequencing, but the order or the relationship among ideas may occasionally be unclear.
- a beginning and an ending which, although present, are either undeveloped or too obvious (e.g., "My topic is...", "These are all the reasons that....").
- transitions that sometimes work. The same few transitional devices (e.g., coordinating conjunctions, numbering, etc.) may be overused.
- a structure that is skeletal or too rigid.
- placement of details that may not always be effective.
- organization which lapses in some places, but helps the reader in others.
|
4
|
Competent
|
Organization is clear and coherent. Order and structure are present, but may seem formulaic. The writing is characterized by:
- clear sequencing.
- an organization that may be predictable.
- a recognizable, developed beginning that may not be particularly inviting; a developed conclusion that may lack subtlety.
- a body that is easy to follow with details that fit where placed.
- transitions that may be stilted or formulaic.
- organization which helps the reader, despite some weaknesses.
|
5
|
Experienced
|
The organization enhances the central idea(s) and its development. The order and structure are strong and move the reader through the text. The writing is characterized by:
- effective sequencing; the organizational structure fits the topic, and the writing is easy to follow.
- an inviting beginning that draws the reader in and a satisfying sense of resolution or closure.
- smooth, effective transitions among all elements (sentences, paragraphs, ideas).
- details that fit where placed.
|
6
|
WOW!
|
The organization enhances the central idea(s) and its development. The order and structure are compelling and move the reader through the text easily. The writing is characterized by:
- effective, perhaps creative, sequencing; the organizational structure fits the topic, and the writing is easy to follow.
- a strong, inviting beginning that draws the reader in and a strong, satisfying sense of resolution or closure.
- smooth, effective transitions among all elements (sentences, paragraphs, ideas).
- details that fit where placed
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