ISAT - Student Writing Checklist 
Expository, Grade 3-5

Focus

•	I have an interesting beginning to my composition that clearly explains what I am going to write about.
•	My composition is about the subject or topic.
•	If I use previewing, I remember to write about each point.
•	I write a closing that successfully ties my ideas together. 

Support 

•	I use specific examples and details to explain each of my points.
•	I use the same amount of support and detail for each of the points I make.
	I use the same voice* throughout my composition. 
•	I use a variety of specific and descriptive words to make my composition more interesting for the reader.
•	I use words correctly and purposefully.

Organization

	My composition is organized so that it makes sense.
•	I use paragraphing to help organize my thoughts.
•	I use transition words to connect my sentences and paragraphs so that my composition flows smoothly when I read it.
•	My sentences begin in different ways.
•	My sentences are different lengths to make my composition more interesting.
•	I avoid using the same words over and over again.  

Conventions

	I use complete sentences.
•	I spell familiar words correctly.
•	I spell higher-level words the way they sound.
•	I use capitalization and punctuation correctly.
•	I make sure that the subject of my sentence agrees with the verb.
•	I use the same verb tense throughout my composition.

*Voice – The individuality of the writer coming through on the page. Voice gives writing a 
distinctiveness. The reader of the composition has the feeling that the writer is talking directly
to him or her.