All writers need to have a clear idea of what good writing looks and sounds like. The Common Core State Standards focus on these three qualities of effective writing for students in grades K–5.
Structure
Good writing has a beginning, middle, and ending. Supporting details follow a clear order.
Ideas
Effective writing addresses a specific topic. The ideas are developed through supporting details.
Correctness
Good writing follows the basic standards of punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and grammar.
In grades 6–12, the Common Core expands upon these qualities, focusing on the traits of effective writing—ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.