6+1 Traits of
Writing
The second grade
classes will be introducing the 6+1 writing format to students this
school year. Our goal is to familiar our students with the
terms and concepts of 6 +1 traits in an attempt to help our students
become better writers. The traits are listed below with a
description of each trait.
Ideas
Ideas make up the
content of the piece. When the ideas are strong, the overall
message is clear. The main points or storyline are
awareness of details
knowing what's important or
interesting
clarity,
focus, sense of purpose
Organization
Organization is the
internal structure of the piece, the thread of central meaning, the
pattern of logic. The internal structure of piece has:
a
clear beginning, middle and ending
the
ability to organize and group
a
good sense of sequence
A
satisfying conclusion wraps it all up, yet leaves the reader with
something to wonder about.
Voice
As important as voice
is to creating a good piece of writing, it is hard to define.
It is how the reader knows it is really you speaking. Voice is
how the writing draws the reader in and creates a bond between the
reader and the writer. It is the style, tone, and flavor of
the writing piece.
evokes
an emotional response
tailoring
communication to an audience
Word Choice
Word choice is about
the use of rich, colorful language that communicates not just in a
functional way, but also enlightens the reader. In good
descriptive writing, strong word choice clarifies and expands ideas.
In the readers mind it creates images so real, you feel like you are
part of the story itself.
awareness
of language
understanding
that there are different ways to say things
Sentence Fluency
Sentence fluency is
the auditory trait. Fluent writing is graceful and varied.
Sentences are easy to read, well built, and seem to flow.
Strong fluency is marked by creative phrasing, alliteration, and
word order that makes reading feel natural. Fluent reading is
free of awkward word patterns.
a
variety of sentence lengths
uses
more complex sentences
Conventions
Conventions deal with
the editing of spelling, punctuation, grammar and usage,
capitalization, and paragraphing.
Presentations
Presentation is the
final piece of the 6+1 traits. Presentation is how the writing
looks to the reader. A presentable writing piece exhibits
uniform spacing, legible and consistent handwriting.
