6 + 1 Traits of Writing
6 + 1 Traits of Writing is a new way of understanding, teaching, and assessing the qualities that are found over and over in great writing. They consist of seven different traits that give us a universal language to talk to our students about writing. We discuss the traits quite often in class, and based on students' needs, we will focus on one or two at a time. The traits, and a brief description of each are listed below.
IDEAS
The ideas and content are the heart of the message, the main theme. Together with the details, the ideas and content enrich and develop that theme.
ORGANIZATION
Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of central meaning, the logical and sometimes intriguing pattern of the ideas.
VOICE
The voice is the heart and soul, the magic, the wit, along with the feeling and conviction of the individual writer coming out through the words.
WORD CHOICE
Word choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader.
SENTENCE FLUENCY
Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear--not just to the eye.
CONVENTIONS
Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the piece-- spelling, grammar and usage, paragraphing, use of capitals and punctuation.
PRESENTATION
Presentation is how the paper looks upon publishing. Are the holes on the right side, the margins clear of writing, are the letters proportioned to the same size, are their any unnecessary marks on the paper? Is the handwriting the best it can be?