1. Introduction to 6 +1 Writing Traits

2. Voice Organization Word Choice Sentence Fluency Idea Conventions +1 Presentation

3. VOICE Sounds like the writer
Formal writing ~ still the writer, but in dress-up clothes
Enthusiastic, energetic, confident
Personal, individual
Makes the reader respond
You want to read it out loud
Heart and soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and breath

4. Voice Does the writer clearly express his or her thoughts?
Is the writer’s point of view clear?
Does the writer address the audience?
Has the writer added a unique, personal touch to the piece?

5. ORGANIZATION A great opening to hook the reader Easy to follow
Transitions link idea to idea
Builds to the good parts
A powerhouse ending ties it all up
Internal structure of the piece

6. Organization
Does the beginning of the piece grab the reader’s attention?
Are there transitions to connect ideas and details?
Does the writer follow a logical sequence?
Does the ending sum up the main ideas?

7. WORD CHOICE Wow! The best way to say it! You can picture it
A new twist on an old phrase
Powerful verbs
Words you love
Beautiful language
Precise language

8. Word Choice Does the writer use everyday words well?
Do the words created detailed pictures in the reader’s mind?
Does the writer avoid repeating words?
Are the ideas expressed with strong and precise language?

9. SENTENCE FLUENCY Easy to read out loud Smooth—not choppy sentences
Some long sentences; some short
The auditory trait
Strong sentence fluency is marked by
Logic
Creative phrasing
Parallel construction
Alliteration
Word order that feels natural
Power point sentence structures and ex.

10. Sentence Fluency Do sentences begin in different ways?
Do sentences vary in length and structure?
Can the reader move with ease from one sentence to the next?
Does the writer have a natural flow when read aloud

11. IDEAS A clear message Plenty of information
Details not everyone would think of
Clear purpose
You don’t want to stop reading! (or listening…)
Ideas make up the CONTENT of a piece

12. Ideas Is the writer focused on one mail idea?
Is the main idea supported by interesting details?
Does the piece include interesting and original ideas?
Does the writer seem to be an expert on the topic?

13. CONVENTIONS As close to error-free as possible
Correct spelling and punctuation
Capitals in the right place
Grammar needs no work ~ it’s written correctly
Indented paragraphs
Ready to publish

14. Conventions Has the writing been proofread and edited?
Is each word spelled correctly?
Are the capitalization, grammar, and punctuation used properly?
Does each paragraph explain only one thought or idea?

15. +1 PRESENTATION Margins that “frame” the writing
Neatly typed, with a heading
Clearly laid out text (and pictures)
Appropriate and simple use of fonts

16. +1 Presentation Is the writing neatly handwritten or word processed?
Does the appearance of the writing make it easy to read?
Do the graphics support the writing?
Is the piece ready to be shared with others?