The 6 Traits of Writing

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The 6 Traits of Writing

• Ideas
• Organization
• Word Choice
• Sentence Fluency
• Voice
• Conventions

Created by Jennifer Heidl-Knobloch Jody Drake
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Ideas Content

• The ideas are the heart of the message, the
  content of the pieceall the details that enrich
  and develop the theme.
• --Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory

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If you dont care about what you write about,
your reader will be bored!
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Ideas Content

• A writer should
• Narrow the topic to something specific
• Use a fresh, original perspective
• When possible, write from experience
• Use important, interesting details
• (not just common knowledge)

5
Organization

• Organization is the internal structure of a
  piece of writing, the thread of central meaning,
  the pattern.
• --Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory

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Organization

• A writer should
• use an inviting lead that hooks the reader
• use logical and effective order, structure,
  sequence
• use smooth transitions to emphasize main idea
• place supporting details where they are most
  appropriate
• use a conclusion that gives the reader a sense
  of resolution (clincher)

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Word Choice

• Strong word choice clarifies and expands
  ideasmoves and enlightens the reader.
• --Northwest
  Regional Educational Laboratory
• Dont tell me the moon is shining show me the
  glint of light on broken glass.
• 
  --Anton Chekhov

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Word Choice

• A writer should
• Use words that create a mental picture for the
  reader
• Use powerful action verbs (vivid verbs)
• Use specific nouns and adjectives
• Use language that is natural and not overdone
• Be concise (tighten sentences)
• Use words correctly
• Avoid repetition, slang, and clichés

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Sentence Fluency

• Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the
  language.
• --Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
• To me the greatest pleasure of writing is not
  what its about, but the music the words make.
  
• --Truman Capote

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Sentence Fluency

• A writer should
• Vary sentence beginning, structure, and length
• Use complete sentences
• Use transitions (internal external) to
  promote cadence

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Voice

• It is the heart and soul of the writing, the
  magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and
  breath.
• --Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory

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Voice

• A writer should
• Write honestly and from the heart
• Interact with the reader
• without using YOU
• Use language that brings the topic to life
• Care about topic
• Use expression to voice personality

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And lastly
CONVENTIONS
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Conventions

• Some of you may not enjoy the editing process,
  but without this step, the other 5 traits could
  be overshadowed by errors that distract the
  reader. This trait is essential to a polished
  composition.

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Conventions

• A writer should
• Turn in a clean, edited, and polished final
  draft
• Reinforce the organization with good
  paragraphing
• Use correct punctuation, spelling, and
  grammar

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Quotations to Inspire

• What is written without effort is in general
  read without pleasure.
• - Samuel Johnson
• We write to taste life twice.
• Anais Nin

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Works Cited

• Assessment. Northwest Regional Educational
  Laboratory. 11 Jan. 2005. 6 July 2005.
  ltwww.nwrel.org/assessment/scoring.php?odelay3d1
  gt.
• Grammar Cartoons. Google Images. 6 July 2005.
  ltwww.images.google.com/images?synum10hlenlrq
  grammarcartoonsgt.
• Roberts, Bethany. "Writing for Children Workshop
  Writing Quotes." 16 June
• 2005. lt http//www.bethanyroberts.com/writ
  ing_quotes.htmgt.
• Spandel, Vicki. Creating Writers Through 6-Trait
  Writing Assessment and Instruction. New York
  Addison Wesley Longman, 2001.
• Steele, Kimberly. Ideas for Teaching Writing.
  23 June 2004. 6 July 2005. ltwww.kimskorner4teacher
  talk.com/writing/menu.html.gt