1. The Six Traits of Writing help us describe and improve our writing.
Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
The Six Traits
The Six Traits of Writing help us describe and improve our writing.

2. Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
Focus on Voice
Voice is personality and enthusiasm showing through in the writing. Voice brings writing to life!

3. Good voice is easy to recognize.
Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
Good voice is easy to recognize.
Read the following rough draft. The voice is weak. There is little evidence of personality, energy, attitude, or enthusiasm. It’s hard to tell how the writer feels about the topic.
My bike is nice. It was a birthday present. It is red. It is fast. I like to ride it. I race my friends on it.

4. Good voice is easy to recognize.
Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
Good voice is easy to recognize.
Now read the final draft of this paragraph, which has been revised to improve the voice.
My new bike is awesome! It was a surprise birthday gift from my dad. The bike is red and shiny like a fire engine, and it’s so fast that I almost never lose a race!

5. What makes the voice better in the second sample?
Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
What makes the voice better in the second sample?
My new bike is awesome! It was a
surprise birthday gift from my dad. The bike
is red and shiny like a fire engine, and it’s
so fast that I almost never lose a race!
The writer chooses clear and interesting words to carry the message.

6. What makes the voice better in the second sample?
Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
What makes the voice better in the second sample?
My new bike is awesome! It was a surprise birthday gift from my dad. The bike is red and shiny like a fire engine, and it’s so fast that I almost never lose a race!
5 words
9 words
21 words
The writer uses a mix of long and short sentences to help
the writing flow.

7. What makes the voice better in the second sample?
Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
What makes the voice better in the second sample?
My new bike is awesome! It was a
surprise birthday gift from my dad. The bike
is red and shiny like a fire engine, and it’s
so fast that I almost never lose a race!
The writer uses different kinds of punctuation, such as exclamation points, to show excitement.

8. Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
Remember!
Good voice is all about personality and enthusiasm showing through in your writing.
You can help your voice emerge by
using clear and interesting words.
using a mix of long and short sentences.
using different punctuation, such as exclamation points and question marks.