5  The writer speak directly to the reader in a way that is individual, compelling and engaging.  The writer “aches with caring,” yet is aware and respectful to the audience and the purpose for writing.

A. The reader feels a strong interaction with the writer sensing the person behind the words.

B.  The writer takes a risk by revealing who they are and what they think.

C. The tone and voice give flavor and texture to the message

and are appropriate for the purpose and audience.

D. Narrative writing seems honest, personal, and written from the heart.  Expository or persuasive writing reflects a strong commitment to the topic by showing why the reader needs to know this and why they should care.

E.  This piece screams to be read aloud, shared, and talked about.  The writing makes you think about and react to the author’s point of view.

3  The writer seems sincere, but not fully engaged or involved.  The result is pleasant or even personable, but not compelling.

A.  The writing communicates in an earnest, pleasing manner.

B.  Only one or two moments here or there surprise, delight, or move the reader.

C.  The writer seems aware of an audience but weighs ideas carefully and discards personal insights in favor of safe generalities.

D. Narrative writing seems sincere, but not passionate; expository or persuasive writing lacks consistent engagement with the topic to build credibility.

E. The writer’s willingness to share his/her point of view may emerge strongly at some places, but often obscured behind vague generalities.

1  The writer seems indifferent, uninvolved, or distanced from the topic and/or audience.  As a result, the paper reflects more than one of the following problems:

A.  The writer speaks in a kind of monotone that flattens all potential highs or lows of the message.

            B.   The writing is humdrum and “risk-free.”

C.   The writer is not concerned with the audience, or the writer’s style is a complete mismatch for the intended reader

D. The writer is lifeless or mechanical; depending on the topic, it may be overly technical or jargonistic.

            E.  No point of view is reflected in the writing – zip, zero, zilch, nada.