MIT Integration Paper Requirements
Revised from
Summary of Traits of Quality Writing
Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory

IDEAS
(The heart of the message)

• 1st paragraph states a clear thesis
• Addresses teaching, learning or who is served by schools in its thesis statement
• Clarity-makes sense
• Focus-narrowed & manageable size
• Quality details-beyond obvious or general
• Content is an analytical synthesis and not an opinion.

5 STRONG – paper is clear & focused. Holds reader’s attention. Relevant details enrich the central theme
4 COMPETENT –
3 DEVELOPING- writer beginning to define thesis, development is still basic or general
2 EMERGING-
1 NOT YET – Paper has no clear thesis. To extract meaning from the text, reader must make inferences.

ORGANIZATION
(The internal structure)

• Inviting Opening
• Sequencing-logical & effective
• Transitions-linking ideas & paragraphs
• Pacing
• Effective Ending
• Concluding paragraph ties paper together

5 STRONG –organization enhances & showcases central theme. Order, structure, presentation of material is compelling & moves reader through text.
4 COMPETENT –
3 DEVELOPING- Organizational structure is strong enough to move reader through text without too much confusion.
2 EMERGING-
1 NOT YET – Writing lacks clear sense of direction. Ideas, details seem strung together in a loose or random fashion. No identifiable internal structure.

SENTENCE FLUENCY
(Rhythm & flow of language)

• Rhythm & cadence
• Smooth & easy flow
• Variety of sentence beginnings, lengths, & patterning

5 STRONG –Writing has easy flow, rhythm, cadence. Sentences well built, strong & varied structure that reads well aloud.
4 COMPETENT –
3 DEVELOPING- Text hums with steady beat but tends to be more mechanical than fluid.
2 EMERGING-
1 NOT YET – Choppy or awkward sentences. Sentences don’t hang together or begin same way.

CONVENTIONS
(Mechanical correctness)

• Writing edited & proofed with care
• Uses APA conventions in its citations.
• Spelling
• Punctuation
• Grammar & Usage
• Paragraphing
• Capital letters
• it’s its boys’ girl’s

5 STRONG –Errors few so just minor touch-ups to be ready to publish
4 COMPETENT –
3 DEVELOPING- Conventions sometimes handled well, other times errors are distracting & impair readabiltiy
2 EMERGING-
1 NOT YET – errors repeatedly distract reader & make text difficult to read.