2. Writers’ Blocks The Six Building Blocks of Good Writing By Theresa Heath Next

3. Objectives identify the characteristics and definitions of the six building blocks of writing; evaluate samples of writing for word choice; choose words and phrases that improve writing. Learners will be able to Next

4. The Building Blocks Ideas Organization Sentence Fluency Word Choice Voice Mechanics Go To Lesson Go To Lesson

5. Ideas “Heart” of the message Main theme with details that enrich and develop theme Writing inspired by knowledge or experience Building Building Blocks

6. Organization Internal structure Thread of central meaning Logical and sometimes intriguing pattern of ideas Inviting introduction and satisfying conclusion Transitions, sequencing, and ideal pacing Building Blocks

7. Sentence Fluency Rhythm and flow of language Sound of word patterns Way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just the eyes Varied sentence beginnings Varied length and structure Building Blocks

8. Word Choice Use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves, enlightens reader Specific and accurate Words and phrases create pictures and linger in reader’s mind Lively verbs, precise nouns and modifiers Building Blocks

9. Voice Unique perspective of the writer Tone and voice give “flavor” to the message Reader feels a strong interaction with writer Building Blocks

10. Mechanics Mechanical correctness of the piece Spelling Grammar and usage Punctuation and capitalization Paragraphing Building Blocks

11. Writing Samples Sample #1 Sample #2 #1 #2

12. Sample #1 Last year we went on a vacation and we had a wonderful time. The weather was sunny and warm and there was lots to do so we were never bored. My parents visited friends and took pictures for their friends back home. My brother and I swam and also hiked in the woods. When we got tired of that, we just ate and had a wonderful time. It was exciting and fun to be together as a family and and to do things together. I love my family and this is a time that I will remember for a long time. I hope we will go back again next year for more fun and an even better time than we had this year. Back to Back to sample link

13. Sample #2 An excerpt from a revision of sample #1 Last summer, my family and I went on a vacation to see the California Redwoods. Most of the time was great, though not everything turned out the way we expected. We spend most of our time basking in the sun and hiking. We basked so much I got a sunburn from head to to, and had to spend the next several days peeling my outer layer of skin. One day we hiked the sunrise Trial. The cool morning air was easy to hike in so we ended up doing the whole thing! The giant ferns were like something out of a prehistoric movie. The trees were so huge we could not see the tops... Back to Back to sample link To lesson

14. Did you notice.. in sample #1, the weak, soft verbs phrases such as it was exciting and fun? the vague phrases such as the weather was warm and sunny? In sample 2, these are revised to be much more specific, with phrases such as the trees were so huge we could not see the tops, and..I had to spend the next several days peeling my outer layer of skin…

15. Lesson to improve word choice One of the building blocks of good writing is word choice; writers can improve the quality of their writing by learning to choose the best possible word that has the most impact Next

16. Word Choice Examples Poor word choice: –Our school had a bad year. Better word choice: A fire, a detonated bomb, gang fights and a kidnapping marred our school year. Next

17. Another example Boring word choice: –Tonia was sick and sore. –Better word choice –With the rash on her arms and her 102 degree temperature, Tonia hobbled around as if she had arthritis. Next

18. It’s Your Turn… It was a windy day. The old house was abandoned. Our teacher was tired. Read the following sentences and choose the words or phrase that make the sentences weak. Next

19. Did you pick… was windy? old house, was abandoned? was tired? You’re correct! These are called weak or soft verbs, and need to be replaced with active, concrete verbs. Next

20. Better sentences –A) The wind tore through my sweater and chilled me to the bone. – B) The shingles hung on the edge of the roof, the screen door banged in the wind, and the grass grew wildly around the abandoned house. –C) Mrs. Grace, our teacher, slumped at her desk, held her head in her hands, and slowly disappeared under the sea of papers. Next

21. References Good writers carefully choose words and phrases that will evoke an emotion or leave an image with the reader. Good writing is also a skill that can be developed with effort, patience, and a working knowledge of the foundational blocks. Good writers carefully choose words and phrases that will evoke an emotion or leave an image with the reader. Good writing is also a skill that can be developed with effort, patience, and a working knowledge of the foundational blocks. Return to Return to beginning

22. References Spandel, V. Creating writers through 6-trait writing assessment and instruction. 3 rd ed. Addison,Wesley,Longman. New York: 2001 Culham, R. Writing assessment for beginning writers. Northwest Regional Education Laboratory. Portland: 2001