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Writing Traits Matrix

by S.F. Peregoy|O.F. Boyle
Source: Pearson Allyn Bacon Prentice Hall
Topics: Middle Years (5-9), Preteen Years (9-13), What to Expect in Writing (Grade and Age)

The table below lists the writing traits matrix of the developmental phases in second language writing at three different levels: beginning, intermediate, and advanced.

Trait Beginning Level Intermediate Level Advanced Level
Fluency Writes one or two sentences. Writes several sentences. Writes a paragraph or more.
Organization Lacks logical sequence or so short that organization presents no problem. Somewhat sequenced. Follows standard organization for genre.
Grammar Basic word order problems. Uses only present tense forms. Minor grammatical errors, such as -s on verbs in third person singular. Grammar resembles that of native speaker of same age.
Vocabulary Limited vocabulary. Needs to rely at times on first language or ask for translation. Knows most words needed to express ideas, but lacks vocabulary for finer shades of meaning. Flexible in word choice; similar to good native writer of same age.
Genre Does not differentiate form to suit purpose. Chooses form to suit purpose, but limited in choices of expository forms. Knows several genres; makes appropriate choices. Similar to effective native writers of same age.
Sentence Variety Uses one or two sentence patterns. Uses several sentence patterns. Uses a good variety of sentence patterns effectively.

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