1.Read page 40 in Write Source. The 6 Traits of Writing 1.Read page 40 in Write Source. 2.List the 6 Traits and a brief definition of each. 3. Which trait do you think is most important and why?

(Something you love or hate) Trait #1: Ideas Tip: Pick a topic that is not too broad and you have strong feelings about. (Something you love or hate)

So what is the best topic for you??? Topic ideas: A favorite musical artist activity/hobby T.V. show movie book food possession brand name

Write your topic sentence. In my opinion there is not a better TV comedy sitcom than the show The Office.

Different ways to prove your point/ support your topic: Examples Facts Quotes Reasons Vivid Description Strong Verbs.

What do you do when you have to write on a topic you don’t have strong feelings about???

Boring topics…… or not? Life as a cabbage Noses Lint under the bed Sprinklers Door handles Cookie crumbs Watching grass grow Staples The history of yarn Baskets Clocks Homework is great Watching paint dry Watching golf Hello Kitty

Trait #2—Organization *Step by Step Ways to organize your paragraphs: (used for stories &directions) *The Hamburger (for giving enough support to a topic)

The Hamburger (The Expository Paragraph) Topic Sentence Example Argument/Reason True Fact Sensory Description Clincher sentence

The Write Source- List the 4 types/arrangements for paragraphs on p,564-567 Explain what each one is and give and example of a topic that would work well for that type of paragraph.

Trait #3 DEVELOPING VOICE Definition: the special quality that attracts the reader to your writing Tips to remember: 1.Keep your purpose in mind 2.Show respect for your reader, 3.Engage their interest 4.Anticipate your readers questions. Try 1 of these: A letter of sincere apology, or sympathy. (4 sentences) A written persuasive note convincing your parents to let you go to a concert. A poem about an emotion. A note to a teacher that explains why you should get a certain grade

Trait #4 –Word Choice *Describe Using your 5 senses. Tips--* Use Vivid Verbs And, finally after a week of night, a feeble light did curdle the sky… (p.72) *Be specific rather than general Ulysses saw lots of ghosts in the underworld. Vs. …a huge ghost staring at Ulysses through empty eye sockets. He was giant skeleton. He wore a cloak of stiffened blood and a red plume upon his skull. (77) *Describe Using your 5 senses. Her eyes, like blue flame, burned these pictures out of his head. (66)

PRACTICE: Skim through Ulysses and find another example of : 1.Vivid Verbs 2.Specific detail 3. Sensory language (Copy one of each on your paper)

PRACTICE CONTINUED: Brainstorm with the class other vivid verbs for -- walk make speak think sit Saunter skip Brainstorm more specific words for these: house room face fight tree

Now Write: Fill in the chart to plan for your Ode Poem Sight Sound Touch Smell Taste Reminds me of:

Trait #5 Sentence fluency Good Writing=Sentences that vary in length +structure, but flows together as a whole. Tip: Read Aloud what you’ve written!

Sentence Fluency continued…. PRACTICE: Free write for 3 minutes about a problem you see around you. It can be a personal problem or a problem that is effects many people. Describe all sides of it. ANALYZE YOUR WRITING: Make 3 columns- First Word # of Words/Sentence Verbs Complete sentence fragment and run-on worksheets.

Writing Trait #6--Conventions What to check for : Punctuation— End of sentences? Commas? Apostrophes? Quotations Capitalizaton— Beginning of sentences? All proper nouns (names of things)

Conventions continued Spelling-- Used spell check? Homonyms? (there, their, they’re) Grammar— Correct form of verb (ate, had eaten) Subject verb agreement? (the dog barks, the dogs bark)