Six Traits of Writing Created by Leslie Terry

Six Traits of Writing Ideas & Content Organization Voice Word Choice Sentence Fluency Conventions

Ideas and Content This trait is the HEART of the message; the central idea and support. CLARITY - makes sense. FOCUS - narrow and manageable size QUALITY DETAILS - noticing little things that others might not notice. How does it look at intermediate grades? Writing has a clear, direct message that is focused.

Ideas and Content Links to Instruction Prewriting Keeping Journals Moving from broad topic to focused and narrow ideas Learning to observe carefully Borrowing ideas from other writers Knowing the purpose for writing

Organization This trait is the internal structure Inviting Opening Sequencing - logical and effective Linking words/phrases Pacing Effective Ending How does it look at intermediate? Create organizational structures that balance all aspects of the composition Use effective transitions Support all statements and claims with anecdotes, descriptions, facts, statistics, and specific examples.

Organization Links to instruction… Strong leads that exhibit students’ awareness of the audience and purpose Essays that are clear, coherent, and focused Writing that contains formal introductions, supporting evidence, and conclusions.

Voice This is the personal quality of the piece - the sense of the writer behind the words. “Flavor” or tone appropriate to the purpose of the audience. Commitment to topic. Involvement, enthusiasm, integrity. How does it look at intermediate? • Individuality • Sparkle • Exuberance • Humor • Love of writing • Playfulness • Appropriate for type of writing

Voice Links to instruction Helps writers feel safe/accepted Point out voice in books Reward risk --even over success Provide opportunities to hear voice of others Writing TO someone

Word Choice • Originality Correct, accurate use of language. Vivid, precise, memorable, noteworthy Effective - original use of everyday words rate high scores. How does it look at intermediate? • Correct word use without overuse of thesaurus • Originality • Experiment with use of idioms, analogies, metaphors, and similes. • Images, pictures, and ideas that evoke particular words or phrases. • Verbs, unusual or well-used adjectives and adverbs. *Misuse of language or over-reliance on the Thesaurus tends to hurt scores!

Word Choice Links to instruction Verbs, verbs, verbs!! Building vocabulary through reading Brainstorming - How else could you say it? Put “tired” words to rest Eliminate redundancy List words you love

Sentence Fluency This trait focuses on the rhythm and cadence of the piece. How does it sound to the ear? Listen for smoothness & flow Variety of sentence beginning Differences in sentence lengths Variations in general patterning How does this look at intermediate? Are they beginning to: Use rhythmic language Vary sentence beginnings, lengths, and structures Begin sentences in ways that hook them to the preceding sentences (transitions)

Sentence Fluency Links to instruction Pointing out fluency when reading good literature Writing and listening to poetry Combining/detangling sentences Wordiness and parallel construction Sentence fragments & variety

Conventions This trait reflects the general correctness of the piece. Has it been edited/proofread? Spelling Punctuation Grammar & Usage Paragraphing Capital Letters How does this look like at intermediate? Proper use of infinitives, participles, clear pronouns and antecedents Correct use of hyphens, dashes, brackets, and semicolons Applying the spelling of bases and affixes to derivatives

Conventions Links to instruction Difference between editing and revising Learning and using symbols Model using clear examples in simplified contexts Provide extensive opportunities to receive instruction and feedback.

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