SC

Trait #3 - Voice

5 Rating:

  • The writer speaks directly to the reader in a way that is individualistic, expressive, and engaging.  Clearly the writer is involved in the text and is writing to be read.
  • The paper is honest, written from the heart, and has the ring of conviction.
  • The language is natural, yet provocative; it brings the topic to life.
  • The reader feels a strong sense of interaction with the writer and senses the person behind the words.
  • The projected tone and voice give flavor to the writer's message and seem to be appropriate for the purpose and audience.

3 Rating:

  • The writer seems sincere, but not genuinely engaged, committed, or involved.  The result is pleasant, but short of compelling.
  • The writer communicates in an earnest, pleasing manner.
  • Voice may emerge strongly on occasion, then retreat behind general, vague, tentative, or abstract language.
  • The writing hides as much of the writer as it reveals.
  • The writer seems aware of an audience but seems to be distant and avoids risks.

1 Rating:

  • The writer seems indifferent, uninvolved, or distanced from the topic and/or audience.  As a result, the writing is flat, lifeless, or mechanical.  May be overly technical or jargonistic and relies heavily on clichés or buzzwords.
  • The reader has a hard time sensing the writer behind the words.  The writer does not interact with the intended audience and does not connect with the audience.
  • The writer speaks in a monotone that tends to flatten all potential highs and lows of the message.
  • The writing communicates on a functional level, with no apparent attempt to engage the reader either in structure, language, or design.
  • The writer does not seem to be sufficiently engaged in his/her own work.  He or she is only writing words instead of communicating.

 
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