6 TRAITS

OF WRITIN

G

I N A

NU T S H E L L

IDEASIdeas are:• the heart of the

message • the content of the piece • the main theme

ORGANIZATIONOrganization is:• the internal structure• the logical pattern of

the ideas within a piece of writing

VOICEVoice is:• the personal tone and flavor

of the author’s message• The feeling of the individual

writer coming out through the words

WORD CHOICEWord choice is:• the vocabulary the writer

uses• the use of rich, colorful,

precise language that moves and enlightens the reader

SENTENCE FLUENCYSentence fluency is:

• the rhythm and flow of the language

• the sound of word patterns• the way in which writing

plays to the ear

CONVENTIONSConventions are:• the mechanical correctness

of a piece – spelling, paragraphing, grammar and usage, punctuation, and use of capitals