6 Traits of Writing

6 Traits of Writing is the vehicle we use to teach students how to think about

their writing. It’s very different from what I learned in school. Here is a

thumb nail sketch of each of the traits:

Ideas:

- Have a clear focused purpose or position

- Use detailed reasons, examples, and evidence to support or explain my

ideas

- Use accurate, relevant reasons, examples, and evidence

- Provide information that is interesting, thoughtful, and important

- Anticipate and answer the readers’ questions

- Show that you understand what is significant

Organization:

- Organize my writing with an introduction (beginning), details (middle), and a

conclusion (end).

- Introduction paragraph has a topic sentence that identifies the subject of the

paragraph

- Organize my writing so that my paragraphs are linked in logical order

- Link ideas and paragraphs with smooth, effective transitions

- Write a conclusion that summarizes the main points

Voice:

- Demonstrate a strong commitment to my topic by showing why readers should care.

Use words and phrases that are strong and powerful

- Use a tone that brings the topic to life

- Make sure my tone is appropriate for my audience and purpose

- Use either 1st or 3rd person as appropriate, and be consistent throughout your whole

paper

Word Choice:

- Use language that is appropriate for my audience and purpose

- Use language that is natural, not overdone

- Use specific, descriptive works that help my reader understand my ideas

- Use a variety of active verbs and precise nouns

- Use subject-specific vocabulary

Sentence Fluency:

- Use different types and lengths of sentences

- Construct sentences that make sense and enhance meaning

- Vary sentence beginnings

- Develop and use varied and purposeful transitions (in addition, then, in conclusion,

etc)

- Write sentences that flow for easy reading and understanding

Conventions:

- Write with complete sentences

- Use correct capitalization and punctuation

- Use correct grammar

- Spell correctly

- Construct effective paragraphs (topic sentence, supporting details, concluding

sentence)

- Show a consistent use of verb tense

The Writing Process

Pre-write – brainstorming. Use whatever form of pre-write makes sense for

the writing assignment.

Draft – Double space!!! Write the text. Organize your thoughts into a

beginning, middle and end.

Revise – Look over your writing. Add details to make your writing more clear.

Take out details (even whole sentences) that are pointless. Substitute great

words for OK words – use your Thesaurus. Rearrange words and, yes, even

whole sentences.

Edit – Proof reading. Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Final – Double space!!! Professional font – size 12. No pictures or cute

graphics.