SENTENCE FLUENCY

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SENTENCE FLUENCY

6

The writing has an effective flow and rhythm. Sentences show a high degree of craftsmanship, with consistently strong and varied structure that makes expressive oral reading easy and enjoyable. The writing is characterized by

· a natural, fluent sound; it glides along with one sentence flowing effortlessly into the next.

· extensive variation in sentence structure, length, and beginnings that add interest to the text.

· sentence structure that enhances meaning by drawing attention to key ideas or reinforcing relationships among ideas.

· varied sentence patterns that create an effective combination of power and grace.

· strong control over sentence structure; fragments, if used at all, work well.

· stylistic control; dialogue, if used, sounds natural.

5

The writing has an easy flow and rhythm. Sentences are carefully crafted, with strong and varied structure that makes expressive oral reading easy and enjoyable. The writing is characterized by

· a natural, fluent sound; it glides along with one sentence flowing into the next.

· variation in sentence structure, length, and beginnings that add interest to the text.

· sentence structure that enhances meaning.

· control over sentence structure; fragments, if used at all, work well.

· stylistic control; dialogue, if used sounds natural.

4

The writing flows; however, connections between phrases or sentences may be less than fluid. Sentence patterns are somewhat varied, contributing to ease in oral reading. The writing is characterized by

· a natural sound; the reader can move easily through the piece, although it may lack a certain rhythm and grace.

· some repeated patterns of sentence structure, length, and beginnings that may detract somewhat from overall impact.

· strong control over simple sentence structures, but variable control over more complex sentences; fragments, if present, are usually effective.

· occasional lapses in stylistic control; dialogue, if used, sounds natural for the most part, but may at times sound stilted or unnatural.

3

The writing tends to be mechanical rather than fluid. Occasional awkward constructions may force the reader to slow down or reread. The writing is characterized by

· some passages that invite fluid oral reading; however, others do not.

· some variety in sentences structure, length, and beginnings, although the writer falls into repetitive sentence patterns.

· good control over simple sentence structures, but little control over more complex sentences; fragments, if present, may not be effective.

· sentences which, although functional, lack energy.

· lapses in stylistic control; dialogue, if used, may sound stilted or unnatural.

2

The writing tends to be either choppy or rambling. Awkward constructions often force the reader to slow down or reread. The writing is characterized by

· significant portions of the text that are difficult to follow or read aloud.

· sentence patterns that are monotonous (e.g., subject-verb or subject-verb-object).

· a significant number of awkward, choppy, or rambling constructions.

1

The writing is difficult to follow or to read aloud. Sentences tend to be incomplete, rambling, or very awkward. The writing is characterized by

· text that does not invite—and may not even permit—smooth oral reading.

· confusing word order that is often jarring and irregular.

· sentence structure that frequently obscures meaning.

· sentences that are disjointed, confusing, or rambling.

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6 The writing has an effective flow and rhythm. Sentences show a high degree of craftsmanship, with consistently strong and varied structure that makes expressive oral reading easy and enjoyable. The writing is characterized by · a natural, fluent sound; it glides along with one sentence flowing effortlessly into the next. · extensive variation in sentence structure, length, and beginnings that add interest to the text. · sentence structure that enhances meaning by drawing attention to key ideas or reinforcing relationships among ideas. · varied sentence patterns that create an effective combination of power and grace. · strong control over sentence structure; fragments, if used at all, work well. · stylistic control; dialogue, if used, sounds natural.	5 The writing has an easy flow and rhythm. Sentences are carefully crafted, with strong and varied structure that makes expressive oral reading easy and enjoyable. The writing is characterized by · a natural, fluent sound; it glides along with one sentence flowing into the next. · variation in sentence structure, length, and beginnings that add interest to the text. · sentence structure that enhances meaning. · control over sentence structure; fragments, if used at all, work well. · stylistic control; dialogue, if used sounds natural.	4 The writing flows; however, connections between phrases or sentences may be less than fluid. Sentence patterns are somewhat varied, contributing to ease in oral reading. The writing is characterized by · a natural sound; the reader can move easily through the piece, although it may lack a certain rhythm and grace. · some repeated patterns of sentence structure, length, and beginnings that may detract somewhat from overall impact. · strong control over simple sentence structures, but variable control over more complex sentences; fragments, if present, are usually effective. · occasional lapses in stylistic control; dialogue, if used, sounds natural for the most part, but may at times sound stilted or unnatural.
3 The writing tends to be mechanical rather than fluid. Occasional awkward constructions may force the reader to slow down or reread. The writing is characterized by · some passages that invite fluid oral reading; however, others do not. · some variety in sentences structure, length, and beginnings, although the writer falls into repetitive sentence patterns. · good control over simple sentence structures, but little control over more complex sentences; fragments, if present, may not be effective. · sentences which, although functional, lack energy. · lapses in stylistic control; dialogue, if used, may sound stilted or unnatural.	2 The writing tends to be either choppy or rambling. Awkward constructions often force the reader to slow down or reread. The writing is characterized by · significant portions of the text that are difficult to follow or read aloud. · sentence patterns that are monotonous (e.g., subject-verb or subject-verb-object). · a significant number of awkward, choppy, or rambling constructions.	1 The writing is difficult to follow or to read aloud. Sentences tend to be incomplete, rambling, or very awkward. The writing is characterized by · text that does not invite—and may not even permit—smooth oral reading. · confusing word order that is often jarring and irregular. · sentence structure that frequently obscures meaning. · sentences that are disjointed, confusing, or rambling.