The 6-Traits of Writing

• Ideas are the heart of the piece — what the writer is writing about, showing instead of telling, and using quality details.

• Organization refers to the order of ideas and using transitions to move from one idea to the next. It also means having a good introduction and conclusion.

• Voice is how the writing feels to someone when they read it. Voice is the expression of the writer's personality through words. Is it formal or casual? Is it friendly and inviting or reserved and standoffish?

• Word Choice uses just the right words to say just the right things so they are memorable (strong verbs and adjectives).

• Sentence Fluency that is smooth and expressive. Fluent sentences are easy to understand and fun to read with expression.

• Conventions are the ways we all agree to use punctuation, spelling, and grammar that make writing consistent and easy to read.

Idea Development•I use a balance of showing and telling.•My details, instead of being general, are specific and try to paint a picture in the reader’s head. •I describe things in unique and memorable ways.•My writing is focused and doesn’t stray off topic. •It is clear from my writing that I like my topic or idea.

Where do writer’s get their ideas?

• Personal experience• Movies• TV• Books• Newspaper articles• Magazine articles• Paintings• Myths

• Legends• Fairy Tales• Observations• Family• Friends• From other writers• Song lyrics

For each of the following slides, write down a 3-5 sentences describing what you see. Use unique memorable details that show instead of tell and have sensory details.