1. The Six Traits The Six Traits of Writing help us describe and improve our writing. Writing Trait Introduction: Voice

2. Focus on Voice Voice is personality and enthusiasm showing through in the writing. Voice brings writing to life! Writing Trait Introduction: Voice

3. Good voice is easy to recognize. 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. My bike is nice. It was a birthday present. It is red. It is fast. I like to ride it. I race my friends on it. Writing Trait Introduction: Voice

4. Good voice is easy to recognize. Now read the final draft of this paragraph, which has been revised to improve the voice. My new bike is awesome! It was a surprise birthday gift from my dad. The bike is red and shiny like a fire engine, and it’s so fast that I almost never lose a race! Writing Trait Introduction: Voice

5. My new bike is awesome! It was a surprise birthday gift from my dad. The bike is red and shiny like a fire engine, and it’s so fast that I almost never lose a race! What makes the voice better in the second sample? The writer chooses clear and interesting words to carry the message. Writing Trait Introduction: Voice

6. The writer uses a mix of long and short sentences to help the writing flow. Writing Trait Introduction: Voice What makes the voice better in the second sample? My new bike is awesome! It was a surprise birthday gift from my dad. The bike is red and shiny like a fire engine, and it’s so fast that I almost never lose a race! 5 words9 words 21 words

7. My new bike is awesome! It was a surprise birthday gift from my dad. The bike is red and shiny like a fire engine, and it’s so fast that I almost never lose a race! The writer uses different kinds of punctuation, such as exclamation points, to show excitement. Writing Trait Introduction: Voice What makes the voice better in the second sample?

8. Good voice is all about personality and enthusiasm showing through in your writing. You can help your voice emerge by using clear and interesting words. using a mix of long and short sentences. using different punctuation, such as exclamation points and question marks. Remember! Writing Trait Introduction: Voice