Effective Sentence Structure and Word Choice

Sentence Structure

Excellent
The paper is fluid and reads easily throughout. It has an easy-on-the-ear flow and rhythm when read aloud. Sentences tend to be mature and sophisticated, with a strong and varied structure that makes the reading enjoyable.
*Sentence structure and punctuation work effectively to convey meaning and to show how ideas relate.
*Writing sounds natural and fluent, with effective word patterns, phrases, and combinations that enhance style.
*Writing is appropriately concise, not wordy.
*Varied sentence structure and length add interest.
*Fragments, if used at all, are stylistically effective.

Adequate
The paper is understandable, but the sentences tend to be mechanical rather than fluid. Standard English syntax is generally used, but while sentence structure is usually correct, it is not characterized by a natural fluency and grace. Occasional minor flaws or awkward constructions may necessitate re-reading.
*Sentence structure and punctuation sometimes clearly convey meaning and relationships between ideas--sometimes not. Transitions between sentences may be unclear or less fluid than desired.
*The writer shows control with simple sentence structure, and variable control when more complex patterns are attempted.
*Sentence variety (length or structure) tends to be the exception, not the rule.
*Fragments (if used) seem the result of oversight rather than an effort at stylistic effectiveness.
*Sentences may lack energy or effectiveness (e.g., penchant for wordiness, passive structure, repetitious beginnings).

Problematic
The paper is often difficult to understand and difficult to read aloud. Sentences tend to be choppy, incomplete, or so rambling and irregular that it may be hard to tell where one should end and the next begin.
*Sentence structure does not function well to convey meaning or show how ideas relate. Meaning may be difficult to decipher without extensive re-reading or concentration.
*Sentences lack both correctness and fluency; they may seem disjointed, awkward, endlessly meandering, or nonsensical.
*Punctuation frequently seems unrelated to the rhetoric of the sentence; it may be sporadic, out of place, or absent altogether.
*Sentences may tend to follow relentlessly monotonous rhythms or patterns (e.g., subject-verb or subject-verb-object over and over).

Word Choice

Excellent
The writer consistently selects words that convey the intended message in an interesting, precise and natural way. The result is full and rich, yet concise; every word carries its own weight.
*Words are specific, accurate, and suited to the subject. Imagery is strong.
*Lively, powerful verbs give the writing energy, visual appeal, and clarity.
*Vocabulary may be striking, colorful, or unusual--but the language isn't overdone.
*Expression is fresh and appealing, fun to read. The writer uses cliche or slang sparingly, and only for effect.
*The writer may experiment with uncommon words, or common words in a delightful way.
*Figurative language, if used, is effective.

Adequate
The writer's word choice is adequate to convey meaning, but the language is quite ordinary. The writer doesn't seem to be reaching for the "best" way to say something, but often settles for the first word or phrase that comes to mind. The result is a "generic paper" that sounds familiar, routine, or commonplace.
*Language communicates, but without a sense of satisfying fullness or power.
*Although the reader can interpret the meaning quite readily, some words lack precision.
*Although an occasional phrase may catch the reader's eye, cliche, redundancies, and hackneyed phrases pop up with disappointing frequency.
*Imagery may be weakened by overuse of abstract, general language.

Problematic
The writer is struggling with a limited vocabulary, often groping for words or phrases to convey meaning. Meaning may be difficult to determine or else the language is so vague and abstract that only the broadest, most general sorts of messages are conveyed.
*Words tend to be consistently dull, colorless, and trite.
*Writing is often characterized by monotonous repetition, overwhelming reliance on worn, threadbare expressions, or heavy reliance on the prompt (topic) itself for key words and phrases.
*In some instances, word choice may seem careless, imprecise, or just plain wrong.
*Imagery is weak or absent; the reader lacks sufficient concrete details to construct any mental picture.