1. Strategies for Writers Grade 5 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Six Traits The Six Traits of Writing represent the things that we can observe, assess, revise, and edit in any piece of writing. Trait Introduction: Voice

2. Strategies for Writers Grade 5 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Focus on Voice Voice is personality, energy, attitude, and enthusiasm showing through in the writing. Voice brings writing to life! Trait Introduction: Voice

3. Strategies for Writers Grade 5 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Read the following rough draft. The voice is weak. There is little evidence of personality, energy, attitude, or enthusiasm. It’s hard to tell how the writer feels about the topic. The penguins in the enclosure were interesting. They walked funny, but they swam fast. One of them looked very unusual. Trait Introduction: Voice Good voice is easy to recognize.

4. Strategies for Writers Grade 5 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Now read the final draft, which has been revised to improve voice. Trait Introduction: Voice Good voice is easy to recognize. The penguins in the new Penguin Park display at the zoo were amazing! They waddled around on the rocks like little people, but once they hit the water, it was a totally different story. They darted and zoomed through the water like birds flying gracefully in the sky. One penguin had a very unusual pattern on his feathers. It almost looked like he had racing stripes! I nicknamed him “Speedy.”

5. Strategies for Writers Grade 5 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The penguins in the new Penguin Park display at the zoo were amazing! They waddled around on the rocks like little people, but once they hit the water, it was a totally different story. They darted and zoomed through the water like birds flying gracefully in the sky. One penguin had a very unusual pattern on his feathers. It almost looked like he had racing stripes! I nicknamed him “Speedy.” What makes the voice better in the second sample? The author adds details that will be interesting to the reader. Trait Introduction: Voice

6. Strategies for Writers Grade 5 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The penguins in the new Penguin Park display at the zoo were amazing! They waddled around on the rocks like little people, but once they hit the water, it was a totally different story. They darted and zoomed through the water like birds flying gracefully in the sky. One penguin had a very unusual pattern on his feathers. It almost looked like he had racing stripes! I nicknamed him “Speedy.” What makes the voice better in the second sample? Trait Introduction: Voice The author carefully selects clear and precise words to carry the message.

7. Strategies for Writers Grade 5 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The penguins in the new Penguin Park display at the zoo were amazing! They waddled around on the rocks like little people, but once they hit the water, it was a totally different story. They darted and zoomed through the water like birds flying gracefully in the sky. One penguin had a very unusual pattern on his feathers. It almost looked like he had racing stripes! I nicknamed him “Speedy.” What makes the voice better in the second sample? 22 words 14 words 10 words 8 words 4 words Trait Introduction: Voice 13 words The author uses a mix of long and short sentences to help the writing flow.

8. Strategies for Writers Grade 5 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The penguins in the new Penguin Park display at the zoo were amazing! They waddled around on the rocks like little people, but once they hit the water, it was a totally different story. They darted and zoomed through the water like birds flying gracefully in the sky. One penguin had a very unusual pattern on his feathers. It almost looked like he had racing stripes! I nicknamed him “Speedy.” What makes the voice better in the second sample? Trait Introduction: Voice Even punctuation can help build voice. Notice how this exclamation mark shows excitement.

9. Strategies for Writers Grade 5 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Good voice is all about personality, attitude, enthusiasm, and energy in the writing. Voice can be revealed and supported by including details that add interest. using clear, precise words that show feeling. making the writing flow. using punctuation to show interest or excitement. Remember! Trait Introduction: Voice

10. Strategies for Writers Grade 5 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved.