Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the piece.....
spelling, grammar and usage, paragraphing (indenting in the
appropriate spots), use of capitals, and punctuation. Writing that
is strong in conventions has usually been proofread and editing
with care. Handwriting and neatness are not part of this trait.
This is the key: How much work would a copy editor need to do to
prepare the piece for publication? . The main focus of conventions
are:
Looks clean, edited, proofread
Easy to decode and follow
No big, glaring errors that distract the reader or distort the
message
Specifically (at a minimum):
Spelling correct on simple words
Spelling correct or close on difficult words
Terminal punctuation correct - internal punctuation not
misleading
Paragraphs for new topics, new speakers
Quotation marks to set off dialogue
Capitals on all proper nouns and to begin all
sentences