1. “Good” Writing
How the 6 Traits can help

2. What makes “good” writing?
On your paper, complete this sentence.
“Good writing is____________.”
Let’s share our ideas and see what we have in common.

3. How important are these statements about writing? Good writing...
is honest.
shows rather than tells.
has memorable details.
has a unique voice.
has an interesting lead.
has a focused topic or theme.

4. And these? Good writing...
7. uses clear and concise language.
8. has a solid structure.
9. leaves the reader with an emotion/feeling.
10. has meaning and can answer “So what?”
11. has a topic the writer knows/cares about.
12. is grammatically/mechanically correct.

5. Writers write about writing!
Mark Twain once wrote, “Don’t say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream.”
What did Twain mean? How might we describe her? Where is she? Why is she screaming? What words could we use to “hear” her?
Carl Heuser
“Old Lady with Fur Hat”

6. Turn and Talk: What do these statements mean to you and your partner?
~Writing is never finished. It is only abandoned. (Paul Valery)
~Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. (Ben Franklin)
~Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go. (EL Doctorow)
~Writing poetry is like dropping a rose petal down the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo. (Don Marquis)

7. How can I be a “good” writer?
Use the 6 traits! IDEAS ORGANIZATION VOICE WORD CHOICE SENTENCE FLUENCY CONVENTIONS

8. HELP! Six Traits for Stick People
Teacher Review of 6 traits: PhotoStory
Sing the songs! (6 songs...6 traits)