Clear and effective writing is easy to read. I assess this category with all major writing projects and some short-term writing assignments.
Students who write clearly and effectively...
write in paragraphs
use transition words (first of all, also, in addition, and so on)
include an introduction and a conclusion (in nonfiction writing)
organize their information into clearly defined sections (in nonfiction writing)
include an interesting lead and a closing that makes the story feel finished (in fiction writing)
Please consult the rubrics for each writing project for more details.