Voice

This trait includes the ability of the writer to speak directly to the reader.  A personality comes through the writing; a "real person" comes through the writing

Strong Paper (5)

• Language is natural

• The reader feels a strong sense of interaction with the writer

• The topic is brought to life

Developing Paper (3)

• The writer communicates in earnest; there are moments where the reader can hear a person speaking

• At moments voice comes through then retreats behind general, tentative language

• As much of the writer is hidden as is revealed

• The writer is aware of the audience, but often avoids risk

Weak Paper (1)

• It is hard to sense a writer behind the words

• There is a monotone that tends to flatten the potential for any highs or lows

• Writing is functional with no apparent attempt to involve the reader

• The writer is not at home with the topic enough to risk sharing himself/herself