1. Modes of Writing & Six Traits
Traits of Writing
Modes of Writing
&
Six Traits

2. Modes of Writing Narrative Writing Expository Writing
Purpose – to tell a story
Expository Writing
Purpose – to inform or explain
Persuasive Writing
Purpose – to construct an argument

3. Narrative Writing Purpose – to tell a story
The narrative writer typically
Offers a clear, well-developed story line
Includes characters that grow and change over time
Conveys time and setting effectively
Presents a conflict and resolution
Surprises, challenges, and/or entertains the reader

4. Expository Writing Purpose – to inform or explain
The expository writer typically
Informs the reader about the topic
Goes beyond the obvious by explaining something interesting or curious about the topic
Focuses on making the topic clear for the reader
Anticipates and answers the reader’s questions
Includes details that add information, support key ideas, and help the reader make personal connections

5. Persuasive Writing Purpose – to construct an argument
The persuasive writer typically
States a position clearly and sticks with it
Offers good, sound reasoning
Provides solid facts, opinions, and examples
Reveals weaknesses in other positions
Uses voice to add credibility and show confidence

6. Six Writing Traits Ideas – the piece’s content
Organization – the internal structure of the piece
Voice – the tone and tenor of the piece
Word Choice – the vocabulary of the piece
Sentence Fluency – the way words and phrases flow through the piece
Conventions – the mechanical correctness of the piece

7. Ideas
The piece’s content – its central message and details that support that message
Finding a Topic
Focusing the Topic
Developing the Topic
Using Details

8. Organization
The internal structure of the piece – the thread of logic, the pattern of meaning
Creating the Lead
Using Sequence Words and Transition Words
Structuring the Body
Ending with a Sense of Resolution

9. Voice
The tone and tenor of the piece – the personal stamp of the writer, which is achieved through a strong understanding of purpose and audience
Establishing a Tone
Conveying the Purpose
Creating a Connection to the Audience
Taking Risks to Create Voice

10. Word Choice
The vocabulary the writer uses to convey meaning and enlighten the reader
Applying Strong Verbs
Selecting Striking Words and Phrases
Using Specific and Accurate Words
Choosing Words the Deepen Meaning

11. Sentence Fluency
The way words and phrases flow through the piece – it’s the way a piece sounds as well as the way it looks
Crafting Well-Built Sentences
Varying Sentence Types
Capturing Smooth and Rhythmic Flow
Breaking the “Rules” to Create Fluency

12. Conventions
The mechanical correctness of the piece – correct use of conventions guides the reader through the text and makes it easy to follow
Checking Spelling
Punctuating Effectively and Paragraphing Accurately
Capitalizing Correctly
Applying Grammar and Usage