*6 +1 Traits of Writing

Ms. Dumontet and Mrs. Franczak

*What are the 6 + 1 Traits?1. Ideas

2. Organization3. Voice4. Word Choice5. Sentence Fluency6. Conventions +1 – Presentation

* How do we learn the traits?

* Define the traits *Talk about the traits with other students*Look for the traits when we are reading *Determine which traits are the most important for the different types of writing (narrative, descriptive, and persuasive)*Use a 6 traits rubric to self and peer assess

*Ideas*Writing begins with IDEAS.

*This trait is the heart of the message. It is the central idea and the support for that

idea.

*IDEAS includes details, descriptions, and evidence to support your ideas.

*Ideas

*Aim for clarity: the message must be easily identified. *Stay focused: the topic is narrowed down to a manageable size.*Include for quality details: details that are beyond the obvious or general.

* Ideas: Self-Assessment

You can tell what my main idea is. I did not try to tell everything. I told what was important. I know my topic well. I had enough information and details to answer my reader’s questions. I support and expand the main idea with evidence, examples, facts, or explanations.

*“But, I just don’t know what to

write?”

*In groups of 4, describe some of the different ways you can come up with fantastic ideas for your writing? *Mind mapping*Storyboarding*Flow charts*Talk to knowledgeable people*Research*YouTube*Google

*Organization*This trait is the internal structure of your writing. *It is the skeleton of the piece. *The order or system to your writing.*The organization should be logical, make connections between ideas, and includes linking words & transitional phrases and.

*Create an inviting opening: it should get and hold a reader’s attention.*Use sequencing: the order should be logical and effective, with careful linking of one idea or paragraph to another.*Employ an effective ending: the ending should tie up loose ends and leave the reader with something to think about.

* Organization: Self-Assessment

My lead gets you hooked. My writing is easy to follow, like a good map. The reader does not feel lost or confused. I linked ideas with word bridges like: on the other hand, for example, however, or therefore. I did not spend time explaining things everyone already knows. My writing ends with a sense of purpose, resolution, or tension.

*“Organize? I just stop when my hand gets tired! ”

*Describe how you might organize your writing differently for narrative, descriptive, and persuasive texts? *4 or five paragraph essay*Hamburger/bookending*Plot Graph*Beginning, middle, and end*Story Mapping*Essay outline

*Voice*The personal or emotional quality of the piece. *It is the author’s original fingerprints on the page. *The sense that a real person is authentically speaking to us.*The heart and soul of the writing.*The atmosphere and tone of the writing is included in this trait.

*Voice*Create an appropriate “flavor” or tone: the tone should be fit the purpose for the writing and the audience. *The reader should believe you are involved and enthusiastic about the piece.* Should be easy to covey your commitment: there is a sense that the author “cares” about the topic.

*Voice: Self-Assessment

The tone is formal/persuasive/insightful for persuasive writing. The tone is detailed/descriptive /engaging for descriptive and narrative writing. This writing sounds like ME. I “talk” to the reader in my writing. I know this topic well enough to write with confidence. This is a paper I would enjoy sharing aloud. I try to bring readers “inside” my writing by asking-What do they already know? What would they like to know? What will they find interesting?

*“What is the tone? I don’t know. Dark?”

*What are some different ways that you could describe the tone of a text?*Whimsical-odd, strange, fantastic; fun

Hamburger/bookending*Solemn-deeply earnest, tending toward sad reflection *Conventional-lacking spontaneity, originality, and

individuality *Ribald-offensive in speech or gesture*See FAQs on website for more

*Word Choice*This trait focuses on using descriptive, and accurate language.*The use of rich, colorful, and honest words.*Language is precise: it means exactly what you want to say language.*A vernacular of vivid, vibrant, and varied vocabulary.

*Word Choice

*Choose words that are vivid and precise: the language is appealing, memorable and noteworthy.*Aim for effective and original use of everyday words: misuse of language or over-reliance on the thesaurus tend to hamper the effectiveness of good word choice.

*Word Choice: Self- Assessment

My words make sense. They are used correctly. My words are a perfect fit for my topic and audience. I have used strong and active verbs. I have incorporated imagery (the 5 senses) to create pictures in the reader’s mind. I avoided words like great, nice, fun, neat, stuff, and awesome. I was careful not to repeat one word too many times. I did not use big words just to show off. I actually know what they mean!

*“She had her stuff over there.”

*Come up with a list of 10 taboo words that should never be used in our writing.*Stuff*Things*Awesome*Cool*U, R, C, LOL, OMG*Good, bad, happy, sad

*Sentence Fluency*This trait focuses on the rhythm and cadence of the piece.

*The way the writing flows when read aloud.

*Creating variety in sentence structure.

*Sentence Fluency

*Read aloud for smoothness and easy flow.

*Incorporate variety in sentence structure.

*Construct differences in sentence length.

*Sentence Fluency: Self- Assessment

I read this aloud and I like how it sounds. Many sentences begin in different ways. Some sentences are long, some short. If I used dialogue, it sounds like real people talking.

*“She. Loves. The. Impact. Of. Short. Sentences.”

*When is it okay to use sentence fragments in your writing?*In both fiction and nonfiction, sentence fragments may be used

deliberately to create a variety of powerful effects, such as:

*Fragmented thoughts*Enhanced mood*Snapshots of emotions*Emphasized points or positions* Increased fluidity

*Incomplete sentences that bore, distract, or confuse readers should be corrected.

* Conventions

*This trait reflects the general correctness of the piece.*The mechanics of writing, including:

*Spelling*Grammar*Punctuation*Capitalization*Paragraphing

*Begin by editing: there should be evidence that the piece has been edited and proofread with care.*Check your mechanics: proper spelling, punctuation, grammar and usage, paragraphing, and use of capital letters are emphasized.* Do not forget the overall presentation: this dimension can expand into the areas of handwriting, neatness, format, and layout. (This is the “+1”)

*Conventions: Self- Assessment

I have proofread my whole paper. I read the piece both silently and aloud. I have checked my:

o Spelling o Grammar o Punctuation o Paragraphing o Capitals

My paper is neat and looks good on the page. This paper is ready to publish.

*“wut is da prblm wit dis sntnc?”

*What is your most challenging convention to learn how to consistently use?*Spelling*Capit alization*Punctuation*Grammar*Paragraphing