The document discusses the 6 Traits of Writing model which identifies key elements of effective writing. The 6 traits are ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions. For each trait, the document provides definitions from experts and suggestions for what writers should do to demonstrate that trait in their writing, such as using vivid details for ideas, logical structure for organization, specific vocabulary for word choice, and varied sentences for fluency. The document emphasizes that mastering these traits is essential for polished compositions.

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

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

17. Works Cited
“Assessment.” Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. 11 Jan. 2005. 6
July 2005. <www.nwrel.org/assessment/scoring.php?odelay=3&d=1>.
“Grammar Cartoons.” Google Images. 6 July 2005.
<www.images.google.com/images?
synum=10&hl=en&lr=&q=grammar+cartoons>.
Roberts, Bethany. "Writing for Children Workshop: Writing Quotes." 16 June
2005. < http://www.bethanyroberts.com/writing_quotes.htm>.
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 2004. 6 July 2005.
<www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/writing/menu.html.>