1. The 6 Traits of Writing *Ideas *Organization *Word Choice
*Sentence Fluency
*Voice
*Conventions
Created by: Jennifer Heidl-Knobloch & Jody Drake

2. Ideas & Content --Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
“The ideas are the heart of the message, the content of the piece…all the details that enrich and develop the theme.”
--Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory

3. If you don’t care about what you write about, your reader will be bored!

4. Ideas & Content A writer should:
~ Narrow the topic to something specific
~ Use a fresh, original perspective
~ When possible, write from experience
~ Use important, interesting details
(not just common knowledge)

5. Organization
“Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of central meaning, the pattern.”
--Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory

6. Organization A writer should:
~ use an inviting lead that hooks (grabbers) the reader
~ use logical and effective order, structure, & sequence
~ use smooth transitions to emphasize main idea
~ place supporting details where they are most appropriate
~ use a conclusion that gives the reader a sense of resolution (clincher)

7. Word Choice
“Strong word choice clarifies and expands ideas…moves and enlightens the reader.”
--Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
--Anton Chekhov

8. Word Choice A writer should:
~ Use words that create a mental picture for the reader
~ Use powerful action verbs (vivid verbs)
~ Use specific nouns and adjectives
~ Use language that is natural and not overdone
~ Be concise (tighten sentences)
~ Use words correctly
~ Avoid repetition, slang, and clichés

9. Sentence Fluency
“Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language.”
--Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
“To me the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it’s about, but the music the words make.”
--Truman Capote

10. Sentence Fluency A writer should:
~Vary sentence beginning, structure, and length
~ Use complete sentences- Avoid run-ons, fragments and comma splices.
~ Use transitions (internal & external) to promote cadence

11. Voice
“It is the heart and soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and breath.”
--Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory

12. Voice A writer should: ~ Write honestly and from the heart
~ Interact with the reader
* without using YOU
~ Use language that brings the topic to life
~ Care about topic
~ Use expression to voice personality

13. And lastly…
CONVENTIONS

14. Conventions
Some of you may not enjoy the editing process, but without this step, the other 5 traits could be overshadowed by errors that distract the reader. This trait is essential to a polished composition.

15. Conventions A writer should:
~ Turn in a clean, edited, and polished final draft
~ Reinforce the organization with good paragraphing
~ Use correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar

16. Quotations to Inspire
“ What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.”
- Samuel Johnson
“ We write to taste life twice.”
~ Anais Nin

17. Works Cited
“Assessment.” Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. 11 Jan July <
“Grammar Cartoons.” Google Images. 6 July <
Roberts, Bethany. "Writing for Children Workshop: Writing Quotes." 16 June
2005. <
Spandel, Vicki. Creating Writers Through 6-Trait Writing Assessment and Instruction. New York: Addison Wesley Longman, 2001.
Steele, Kimberly. “Ideas for Teaching Writing.” 23 June July <

18. Stages of Writing Prewriting – get your ideas and organize them.
Drafting – What words will you use?
Revising – Look from reader’s perspective. Add, delete, reword, rearrange. Read it out loud.
Editing – Review for correct use of standard English (conventions). Proof.
Publishing – Right format and looking good.

19. Write a 5 Paragraph Essay
If it’s a 5 paragraph essay, how many main ideas do you need?

20. Write a 5 Paragraph Essay
If it’s a 5 paragraph essay, how many main ideas do you need?
THREE.
CHOOSE A TOPIC AND BRAINSTORM

21. Explain the likely consequences of increasing the passing time between classes from five to fifteen minutes.
Explain why some teens join gangs.
Explain the difficulties some teens have once they are in gangs.
Explain how life for a teenager changes once she has a baby.
Describe what you feel a boy should do if he finds out his girlfriend is pregnant.
Explain the likely consequences of teens becoming sexually active.
Explain why it is helpful to organize your materials and activities.
Explain why your school work is important.
Describe the ways you help out at home.