2. 6+1 Traits of Good Writing By: Mrs. Bowyer July 22, 2009

3. Traits of Writing IDEAS ORGANIZATION WORD CHOICE SENTENCE FLUENCY SENTENCE FLUENCY CONVENTIONS VOICE +1 PRESENTATION +1 PRESENTATION End Show

4. Ideas Traits of Writing Ideas are in a sense the heart of the writing. Everything that is said comes back to ideas and content. The two keys are clarity and details. Making a topic clear and manageable is so important. Details can make or break any piece of writing. Ideas and content focus on clear writing that presents details in an interesting, fresh manner. Key Statement SHOW me don’t TELL me!

5. Organization Traits of Writing Organization is just the way it sounds, organizing a paper so it is easy for the reader to follow. This trait also focuses on making sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. Another part of this trait is using transition words in your writing to move the reader from one idea to another. BeginningMiddleEnd

6. Word Choice Word choice is a trait that shows the power of language! Use your thesaurus as well as your “Words, Words, Words” packet to help you chose words that are appropriate for your piece. Remember not to make it too “wordy” or your reader may become distracted and not want to continue! Mark Your Calendars: October 16, 2009 Dead Words Funeral Traits of Writing

7. Welcome to the Dead Words Funeral

8. Sentence Fluency Sentence fluency is a trait based solely on the. You need to tune your ears to the rhythm and cadence that can be accomplished with sentence fluency. Focusing on variety in sentences as well as sentence lengths can help attain fluency. Key Statement: VARY the lengths of your sentences or be VERY boring! Traits of Writing

9. Conventions aka “Clean Up Crew” Conventions are the editing and revising component of writing. This includes grammar and mechanics. This is where it is time to clean up your piece for final publishing! Always have a friend and a teacher take a look at your piece as well, because sometimes they may see things that you don’t. Traits of Writing Where did he go i whent to the store is it may yet Where did he go? I went to the store. Is it May yet? Before Clean Up Crew Before After Clean Up Crew

10. Voice Voice is the author’s fingerprint on the page. By using voice the reader feels more in touch with the writer’s emotions, opinions, and personality. There are many types of voice that you can use: sad, scared, happy, etc. Always make sure your voice matches your purpose! Traits of Writing

11. +1 = Presentation How a writer’s finished product is presented and what it looks like is important. Clearly, neatly, and effectively getting your message across to the reader is the “+ 1” trait of effective writing. You can publish your piece in many different ways. See the writing workshop folder labeled “Presentation Ideas” for a few examples. Traits of Writing End Show