1. One of the Traits of Effective Writing Milwaukee School District
Presentation
One of the Traits of Effective Writing
Milwaukee School District

2. Components of Effective Writing
Ideas
Organization
Voice
Word Choice
Sentence Fluency and Variety
Conventions
Presentation

3. Definition:
Presentation is the finished look of the writing when it is ready to share.

4. Elements of Presentation
Uniform spacing
Legible and consistent handwriting, or appropriate use of fonts and sizes if it is word processed
Appealing use of white space
Where necessary, use of bullets, numbers, side headings, and other markers that help readers access content
Effective integration of text and illustrations, photos, charts, graphs, maps, and tables
Skillful and tasteful use of colors
rhythm and flow of the language,
the sound of word patterns,
the way in which the writing plays to the ear -
not just the eye.
How does it sound when read aloud? That’s the test.
Share the “fluency phone” (created using PVC plumbing pipe sections.
“Can you hear me now?”

5. The importance of presentation…

6. The importance of presentation…
Even if our words are precise, our ideas are unique, and our sentences are correct, the piece will not be inviting to read unless the elements of presentation are exhibited.

7. Presentation in Environmental Print
Think about examples of text and presentation in your environment.
Which signs and billboards attract your attention?
Which packages catch your eye at the grocery store?
How do businesses get your attention when they advertise in the phone book?
Why do you reach for one CD over another?
What makes one advertisement on the internet more appealing than another?

8. Presentation
Presentation combines both verbal and visual elements. It is the way we illustrate our message on paper.
Presentation is often called the “plus one” Trait as it is not always included as one of the traits or qualities of effective writing.

9. Presentation In informal writing, presentation is not imperative.
However, all published writers are aware of the importance of presentation, particularly technical writers who must include graphs, maps, symbols, and visual instructions along with their text.

10. Lessons for the Trait of Presentation
Design writing tasks that mirror real life. Involve students in creating classroom newspapers, pamphlets, websites, books of their own, brochures, newsletters, and flyers.
Have students create works for a variety of audiences. Ask them to explain how the presentation changes depending on the audience.
Ask students to present their work, especially research projects. Include lessons in PowerPoint and other presentation tools to allow them to share their ideas with others.
These suggestions use higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy; they are also meaningful and engaging.

11. Presentation in Literature
Train of States -By: Peter Sis

12. Presentation in Literature
My Painted House,
My Friendly Chicken and Me
-By: Maya Angelou

13. Presentation in Literature
The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups and The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups: The Second File
-By: David Wisniewski

14. Presentation in Literature
And Then It Rained--; And Then the Sun Came Out -By: Crescent Dragonwagon

15. Let’s take a look at student writing.
Select a student writing sample.
Select an appropriate presentation rubric.
Assess the writing.
Provide descriptive feedback.

16. What You Can Do Now
Verbalize the effectiveness of advertisements in newspapers and magazines. Point out specific elements that make the ad “work”.
Ask students to bring in examples of good presentation. Create a wall of honor for presentation.
Provide students with models of strong and weak presentation, along with the same writing. Ask them which one they’d rather read—and why.

17. Presentation
When presentation is done well, all of the traits are pulled together.

18. Remember: