Ideas, Organization and Voice - (copy)

This is an online check list based on the NRSD 2010 Middle School Writing Guide. Students can use it to check their written work to see that it includes those elements which are indicative of good writing. This should be used to perform an HONEST self-evaluation of a student's writing. It is not anticipated that students will check all boxes. It is intended to be used to highlight areas where a student might focus in order to improve their writing. Print out a paper copy to fill in as you fill in the on-line survey and keep this as a record to guide your rewriting.
Name: 


  1. Ideas - this is the piece's content--its central message and details that support that message.
    You can tell what my main idea is -- even if I do not state it directly.
    My topic is narrow and focused. I do not try to tell everything.
    I know this topic well. If I had questions, I did research.
    The paper is clear from beginning to end.
    I support and expand the main idea with evidence, examples, facts or explanations.
    I share what matters. My paper is free of filler ( unneeded information).
    My paper has a "ring of authenticity" that comes from experience or knowledge.


  1. Organization - this is the internal structure of the piece--the thread of logic, the pattern of meaning.
    My lead will pull you right into the piece.
    All the information is arranged to make my paper interesting and easy to follow.
    Each point I make connects in some way to my main idea. You will never feel lost or confused.
    I use transitional words and phrases -- On the other hand, For example --to build word bridges from sentence to sentence or idea to idea.
    The writing is well-paced. I spend time where it's needed, not on trivia.
    My conclusion wraps up the discussion effectively.


  1. Voice - this is shaped by the purpose and audience of the writing. It must be FORMAL for our research paper. But it is ALSO where the writer's personality comes out.
    I have not used first-person pronouns ( I, we, me, my, us, etc.)
    I have not addressed the reader directly; I have not used the pronound "you" when talking to my reader.
    I have not used contractions; I have replaced the contractions with non-contraction versions i.e. "isn't" = "is not" in my paper, etc.
    I have avoided using colloquial, or slang, expressions( ex. yeah, stuff, okay, freak out, etc.
    I have used variety in my sentence length and structure to make my writing more appealing.
    I have used appropriate language and terminology. I have NOT used "big" words to make my writing sound more important.
    I have avoided using abbreviated versions of words ( ex. phone, TV, photo)
    This writing has MY fingerprints on it. It stands out from the writing of others.
    The writing has energy. It brings my topic to life.
    I like this topic, and want my readers to like it, too
    I know this topic well enough to write with confidence
    This is a paper you would enjoy sharing aloud.
    I try to bring readers "inside" my writing by asking --What do they already know? What would they like to know? What will they find interesting?





Mrs. Brannen
Hale Middle School