1. Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
The Six Traits
The Six Traits of Writing represent the things that we can observe, assess, revise, and edit in any piece of writing.

2. Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
Focus on Voice
Voice conveys the mood and tone of the writing. It supports the writer’s purpose and is appropriate for the audience. 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 portion of a rough draft. The voice in this sample is weak. There is little evidence of personality, energy, attitude, or enthusiasm. It’s hard to tell how the writer feels about the topic.
The children played in the backyard. There were a lot of them. They were loud. It was a hot day. By noon, they got tired.
Now read the final draft of this paragraph, which has been revised to improve voice.
A pack of laughing, squealing neighborhood kids frolicked in the Johnsons’ backyard. Some chased each other in wide circles. Some scaled the wooden play structure, and some hung upside down from the parallel bars. It was joyful madness! By noon, the boys and girls were sweaty, exhausted, and ravenous.

4. What makes the voice better in the second sample?
Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
What makes the voice better in the second sample?
A pack of laughing, squealing neighborhood kids frolicked in the Johnsons’ backyard. Some chased each other in wide circles. Some scaled the wooden play structure, and some hung upside down from the parallel bars. It was joyful madness! By noon, the boys and girls were sweaty, exhausted, and ravenous.
The writer includes detailed ideas about the scene and characters that will be interesting to readers.

5. What makes the voice better in the second sample?
Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
What makes the voice better in the second sample?
A pack of laughing, squealing neighborhood kids frolicked in the Johnsons’ backyard. Some chased each other in wide circles. Some scaled the wooden play structure, and some hung upside down from the parallel bars. It was joyful madness! By noon, the boys and girls were sweaty, exhausted, and ravenous.
The writer reveals attitudes and feelings about the topic by carefully choosing just the right words.

6. What makes the voice better in the second sample?
Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
What makes the voice better in the second sample?
A pack of laughing, squealing neighborhood kids frolicked in the Johnsons’ backyard. Some chased each other in wide circles. Some scaled the wooden play structure, and some hung upside down from the parallel bars. It was joyful madness! By noon, the boys and girls were sweaty, exhausted, and ravenous.
12 words
7 words
15 words
4 words
11 words
The writer improves the rhythm and flow of the writing by varying the sentence lengths. This makes the writer sound more interested in his topic.

7. What makes the voice better in the second sample?
Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
What makes the voice better in the second sample?
A pack of laughing, squealing neighborhood kids frolicked in the Johnsons’ backyard. Some chased each other in wide circles. Some scaled the wooden play structure, and some hung upside down from the parallel bars. It was joyful madness! By noon, the boys and girls were sweaty, exhausted, and ravenous.
The writer uses punctuation to help build voice. Notice how this exclamation mark shows excitement.

8. Remember! Voice conveys the mood and tone of the writing.
Writing Trait Introduction: Voice
Remember!
Voice conveys the mood and tone of the writing.
Voice supports the writer’s purpose and is
appropriate for the audience.
Voice can be revealed and supported by
including detailed ideas that add interest.
using clear, precise word choice that shows feeling.
improving sentence fluency to make the writing flow.
using conventions to help show interest or
excitement.