1. 6 Traits of Writing

2. Ideas and Content The Message
Is clear, focused and interesting
Holds the reader’s attention
Develops the theme or story line
Has a clear main idea
Contains relevant supporting details

3. Organization The Internal Structure
Showcases the main idea
Has an inviting introduction (HOOK)
Question -Setting
Idiom -Quotation
Anecdote -Pun
Definition -A riddle
Alliterative phrase -Words in BOLD CAPS!
Exclamation (STOP! LOOK! LISTEN!)
Sentence Fragments -Noises

4. Organization The Internal Structure
Has a reasonable conclusion
Reminder statement
Quotation
Author’s feelings
Predictions
Summary statement
An invitation to the reader
Raise a further question to the reader

5. Organization The Internal Structure
Contains smooth transitions
Sequence (again, also, and, then, etc.)
Time (after a few days/awhile, soon after, etc.)
Comparison (also, in the same way, etc.)
Contrast (although, despite, on the contrary)
Examples (such as, specifically, …)
Cause and Effect (as a result, consequently..)
Place (adjacent to, further on, nearby, …)
Summary or Conclusion (as a result,…)

6. Organization The Internal Structure
Is logically sequenced
Moves the reader through the text

7. Voice The Voice Behind the Words
Engages the reader
Builds a relationship between reader and writer
Is individualistic and expressive
Is honest, appealing, and from the heart (for narrative)
Shows a strong commitment to the topic

8. Word Choice The Language That Brings It to Life
Contains interesting and natural language
Has precise, colorful words that fit just right (not overdone or undercooked)
Creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind

9. Sentence Fluency Rhythm and Flow
Flows and has rhythm (moves the reader through the text.
Contains varied sentence length and structure.
Sounds natural when read aloud
Contains well-constructed sentence that show how ideas relate

10. Conventions The Mechanical Correctness
Demonstrates good control of mechanics:
-grammar -punctuation
-spelling -paragraphing
-capitalization
so that the message is clear.