The Seven Traits of Effective Writing

V.I.P. COWS

Ideas

• Know why you are writing (purpose)

• Know what you’re writing about (topic)

• Stay on topic • Give lots of details (be

specific)

The main idea or storyline

Organization

Your paper should have:• Beginning, middle, and

ending • Good sense of

sequence• New paragraph for each

new topic or purpose

The structure of the written assignment, based on the type of response

Word Choice

• Using new/different ways to say things

• Being aware of the type of language/words you should use

• Stretching to use better words

Precise use of words

Sentence Fluency

Students should:• Use various types of

writing elements: transitions, dialogue, etc.

• Use a variety of sentence lengths

• Use more complex sentence structures

The rhythm and flow of the language and how it sounds to the ear

Voice

• Showing personality, charm, & individuality

• Creating an emotional response

• Speaking for a specific purpose

Hearing the writer behind the message

Conventions

• Spelling• Punctuation• Capitalization• Grammar and

usage• Paragraphing

The mechanical correctness of the written assignment

Presentation

Your paper should be:• Neatly handwritten in

blue or black ink or typed• Easy to read, without

smudges• Evenly spaced, following

format

How your paper LOOKS!

V.I.P COWS, YO!

WORD.

VoiceIdeas

PresentationConventionsO

rganizationW

ord choiceSentence fluency