Sentence Fluency

Sentence Fluency focuses on the type, fluidity, and effect of sentences within the essay. Strong sentence fluency leads to natural, active, and concise writing.

Fluency:
Fluency is the ability to deliver information quickly, naturally, and correctly.

Concision:
Concision is marked by effective and efficient communication: it is free of superfluous information and requires a strong command of language and a dedication to revision.

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Fluency
Concision

- Mostly uses complete sentences.
- Mostly free of obvious fragments and run-ons.
- Mostly uses complete sentences.
- Simple and compound sentence types are used.
- Sentences are free of obvious fragments and run-ons.
- Almost all sentences complete.
- Simple and compound sentence types are used. Sentence beginnings vary yet are mostly routine, generic.
- Sentences are free of obvious fragments and run ons.
- Some sentences are varied in length and structure. Although easy to read aloud, writing may have some choppiness.
- Sentence beginnings vary, but sometimes they are routine, generic.
- Sometimes writes in the active voice.
- Generally, sentences are varied in length and structure. Although easy to read aloud, writing may have some choppiness.
- Sentence beginnings vary yet are routine, generic. Uses simple, compound and some complex sentence structures that are clear.
- Generally writes in the active voice.
- Some sentences are rhythmic and flowing. When read aloud sentence structure flows well and moves reader through the piece.
- Sentence beginnings are varied and generally add interest and energy; four sentence types (simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex) are effective.
- Mostly writes in the active voice.
- Sentences are generally varied and well built (parallel structure, some appositives, gerunds, etc.). They have flow, rhythm, and cadence that invites expressive oral reading.
- Varied sentence beginnings help strengthen the piece, adding interest and energy; four sentence types (simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex) create appropriate balance and variety.
- Writes primarily in the active voice.
- Sentences are varied and well built. They have flow, rhythm, and cadence that invites expressive oral reading.
- Varied sentence beginnings help strengthen the piece, adding interest and energy; four sentence types (simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex) create appropriate balance and variety.
- Writes primarily in the active voice.

- N/A 5th
- N/A 5th
- Writing includes some extraneous expressions (i.e.. “this shows,” “maybe,” “the quote is,” etc.).
- Writing is generally free of extraneous expressions (i.e.. “this shows,” “maybe,” “the quote is,” etc.).
- Writing is largely free of extraneous expressions. 1-2 exceptions may exist.
- Writing is largely free of extraneous expressions and generally free of unnecessary repetition of ideas.
- Writing is free of extraneous expressions and generally free of unnecessary repetition of ideas.
- Writing is free of extraneous expressions and generally free of unnecessary repetition of ideas; unnecessary fat is completely trimmed from writing.

Middle School Writing Rubric Bird's Eye View