1. Strategies for Writers Grade 7 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Six Traits The Six Traits of Writing represent the things that we can observe, assess, revise, and edit in any piece of writing. Writing Trait Introduction: Sentence Fluency

2. Strategies for Writers Grade 7 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Focus on Sentence Fluency Good sentence fluency means that using a variation in sentence types, lengths, and beginnings creates a rhythm that makes writing easy to read aloud with feeling. Writing Trait Introduction: Sentence Fluency

3. Strategies for Writers Grade 7 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Good sentence fluency is easy to recognize. Read the following portion of a rough draft. The sentence fluency in this sample is weak. The sentences are all about the same length, and they all begin in the same way. My sister is a great student. She really enjoys learning. She always pays attention in class. She does her homework early every day. She studies hard for every test. She is on the honor roll every semester. Now read the final draft of this paragraph, which has been revised to improve sentence fluency. My sister Tami is a great student. She just loves learning. Tami pays attention in class, does her homework early every day, and studies hard for every test. Is it any wonder she’s on the honor roll every semester? Writing Trait Introduction: Sentence Fluency

4. Strategies for Writers Grade 7 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The writer starts each new sentence with different words. This variation helps the writing flow. What makes the sentence fluency better in the second sample? My sister Tami is a great student. She just loves learning. Tami pays attention in class, does her homework early every day, and studies hard for every test. Is it any wonder she’s on the honor roll every semester? Writing Trait Introduction: Sentence Fluency

5. Strategies for Writers Grade 7 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. My sister Tami is a great student. She just loves learning. Tami pays attention in class, does her homework early every day, and studies hard for every test. Is it any wonder she’s on the honor roll every semester? The writer uses sentences of various lengths and types. This helps the writing sound fluid when read aloud. What makes the sentence fluency better in the second sample? 7 words 4 words 17 words 11 words Writing Trait Introduction: Sentence Fluency

6. Strategies for Writers Grade 7 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Creating Variation in Sentence Beginnings Original Sentence: Stan is the best player on his team. Begin with a transition word: Obviously, Stan is the best player on his team. Begin with a synonym: This former youth-league champion is the best player on his team. Begin with a prepositional phrase: In my opinion, Stan is the best player on his team. Change the subject of the sentence: His teammates seem to think Stan is their best player. Change the sentence to a question: Is Stan the best player on the team? Probably. Writing Trait Introduction: Sentence Fluency

7. Strategies for Writers Grade 7 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Creating Variation in Sentence Lengths Original Sentence: My cousin David plays many sports. Add an independent clause to form a compound sentence: My cousin David plays many sports, but his favorite is lacrosse. Add a dependent clause to form a complex sentence: My cousin David plays many sports because he loves being active. Add a phrase to provide examples: My cousin David plays many sports, such as soccer, tennis, and lacrosse. Add or subtract modifiers: My cousin David plays sports. Break the sentence into two separate sentences: David is my cousin. He plays many sports. Writing Trait Introduction: Sentence Fluency

8. Strategies for Writers Grade 7 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Remember! Good sentence fluency means that sentences begin in many ways. Good sentence fluency means using a variety of sentence lengths and types. Good sentence fluency means that the sentences flow together. Good sentence fluency means that the writing is easy to read aloud with feeling. Writing Trait Introduction: Sentence Fluency

9. Strategies for Writers Grade 7 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.