with a sense of resolution, tying up loose ends, bringing things to closure, answering important questions while still leaving the reader something to think about. Key question: Does the organizational structure enhance the theme and make it easier to understand? Key scoring points: Strong writing enhances and showcases the central idea or theme of the paper; includes a satisfying introduction and conclusion Developing writing is strong enough to move the reader through the text without too much confusion. Beginning writing lacks a clear sense of direction. Voice The Voice is the writer coming through the words, the sense that a real person is speaking to us and cares about the message. It is the heart and soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and breath. When the writer is engaged personally with the topic, he/she imparts a personal tone and flavor to the piece that is unmistakably his/hers alone. And it is that individual something–different from the mark of all other writers–that we call voice. Key question: Would you keep reading this piece if it were longer? Key scoring points: Strong writing speaks directly to the reader in a manner that is individual, compelling, engaging, and has personality. Developing writing seems sincere, but not fully engaged or involved. The result is pleasant or even personable, but not compelling. Beginning writing seems indifferent, uninvolved, or distanced from the topic and/or the audience. Word Choice Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. In good descriptive writing, strong word choice clarifies and expands ideas. In persuasive writing, careful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of things. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an exceptional vocabulary that impresses the reader, but more by the skill to use everyday words well. Key question: Do the words and phrases create vivid pictures and linger in the mind?
with a sense of resolution, tying up loose ends, bringing things to closure, answering important questions while still leaving the reader something to think about. Key question: Does the organizational structure enhance the theme and make it easier to understand? Key scoring points: Strong writing enhances and showcases the central idea or theme of the paper; includes a satisfying introduction and conclusion Developing writing is strong enough to move the reader through the text without too much confusion. Beginning writing lacks a clear sense of direction. Voice The Voice is the writer coming through the words, the sense that a real person is speaking to us and cares about the message. It is the heart and soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and breath. When the writer is engaged personally with the topic, he/she imparts a personal tone and flavor to the piece that is unmistakably his/hers alone. And it is that individual something–different from the mark of all other writers–that we call voice. Key question: Would you keep reading this piece if it were longer? Key scoring points: Strong writing speaks directly to the reader in a manner that is individual, compelling, engaging, and has personality. Developing writing seems sincere, but not fully engaged or involved. The result is pleasant or even personable, but not compelling. Beginning writing seems indifferent, uninvolved, or distanced from the topic and/or the audience. Word Choice Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. In good descriptive writing, strong word choice clarifies and expands ideas. In persuasive writing, careful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of things. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an exceptional vocabulary that impresses the reader, but more by the skill to use everyday words well. Key question: Do the words and phrases create vivid pictures and linger in the mind?
gcs_manual_-_appendices.docx