LibGuides: Division of TECH: Automotive Program: Helpful Paper Writing Tools

Common Graded Areas of Writing

6 Traits of Writing
This is a video posted by Heidi Elmoustakim that explains each of the 6 traits most commonly graded in writing assignments. This is important to understand so you know what your teachers will be looking for when reading your written work.

IDEAS:

Does it make sense?

Does it explain to the point of clear understanding?

Does it stay on topic and focused?

Does it contain clear (factual) information?

Does it show insight and is unique to the writer?

ORGANIZATION:

Does each paragraph present a clear topic and idea?

Does each paragraph clearly connect to each other?

Does it have clear points/ support paragraphs?

Does it have a balanced amount of sentences per point?

Does it have a clear completion/ ending?

VOICE:

Does the writing for the assignment/ question?

Does the writing seem engaging and interesting?

Does the writing convey the type of person who wrote it?

Is there a clear feeling about the thoughts/ opinions expressed?

Is the writing clearly for the reader (but does not use "you" references in the text)?

WORD CHOICE:

Are words specific to the topic or subject?

Do the words show a good range of applicable vocabulary?

Do the words seem natural and flow in writing?

Does the writer repeat the same word(s) / phrase(s) frequently?

Are the words chosen strong enough to convey understanding?

SENTENCE FLUENCY:

Do the sentences show a good range of length/structure?

Do the sentences seem natural and flow within the writing?

Are the sentences powerful/ meaningful to the topic?

Are the sentences easy to read aloud?

Are you able to read the paper without having to stop and reread sentences for clarity?

CONVENTIONS:

Are the words in the paper spelled correctly throughout?

Are the rules of grammar followed and executed properly?

Is punctuation used correctly and appropriately?

Universal Class: Writing Help
short courses on a variety of writing elements. Can take most as a class and recieve a Certificate of Completion or simply access the content to brush up on skills.

Does require the creation of an account (contact the library for assistance if needed). See the Kansas State Library page above for more information.
Quick and Dirty Writing Process Video
This video posted by CIS*2050*DE is a good overview of the best practices in writing process. Goes over the key aspects of creating a well written paper/project/email/blog/etc..
Using Citations 101
This video posted by Shmoop is a fun and short video that goes over the basics of using research correctly in the text of your paper.
What are in-text citations?
This video from Imagine Easy Solutions breaks down the different types of in-text citations that you can use inside of a paper and how to cite the information appropriately.