The 6 Traits of Writing
IN this class we’ll do a lot of talking about the 6 Traits of Writing. These traits are designed to help you be a better writer. So, pay attention to them and apply them to your writing as best as you possibly can. Being a good, effective writer, will help you in life beyond these four walls. Here they are:
1) Ideas and Content (IC) – what NEW ideas will you be writing about? It’s best to write about things you know and have experience with. If you have never been skiing, it would be difficult to write about this experience. Brainstroming is one great tool for creating strong IC.
2) Organization (OR) – oh, that thing! Organization is very important for the reader to understand your great ICs. If your writing is scattered and disorganized, the reader will be confused. A confused reader is often a frustrated reader. When you are writing, use your brainstorms (IC) to cluster information into categories. Each new category or idea is a new paragraph. Some paragraphs can be one sentences in length, other are a bit longer. Being organized is a critical part to being a good writer.
3) Voice (V) – a voice is unique to you. When I read your writing, I want to HEAR your voice in my head. Voice will make your writing honest and sincere. (Have your ever being skiing? ) Your voice should show who you are with humor, sincerity, excitement, and suspense. You must also consider your word choice (WC) when developing your voice. Would you honestly say canine when you mean dog? If not, then don’t use it in your writing because you think it sounds better – - often times it doesn’t.
4) Word Choice (WC) – this is tough for young writers. Word choice refers to the language (the words) being used in writing. Writers need to consider the best words possible when writing. One of the most over used words in writing is the word SAID. Instead, students can use words like “commented”, “replied”, “whispered”, and so on. Using words that had interest to your writing is very important to developing your WC.
5) Sentence Fluency (SF) – refers to how well your sentences flow together. Think of this like a puzzle. Not all pieces are the same size or shapes. Neither should your sentences be. Some should be shorter and to the point. Others should be longer adding details and interest. Pay attention to the first word of each sentence. Do all of your sentences start with the same word? By changing up the sentence structure, you can add fluency to the writing.
6) Conventions (C)- ugggg! The big one – spelling and grammar! Unfortunately, this counts double on the State Writing Test. That’s why we spend so much time on this in class. By understanding rules of spelling and grammar, you’ll be better prepared to be a better editor for your writing. We’ll be doing a lot (notice that this is TWO WORDS – a lot), of this in class. Also, students who read more do better with conventions. The idea is that our brains absorb good writing, including how words are spelled and how they are used with other words. Give your brain, and writing, a boost – - read a good book just for fun.
Okay – your turn!
Student Response Questions: (Homework) – complete sentences required.
1) Why should students learn the 6 traits of writing? Which do you feel the most important?
2) What is your opinion on Mrs. Rice’s writing here? Have I followed the 6 traits? If not, what areas am I weak in? (Be honest, not mean! I appreciate your critical feedback on my writing, too.)
