writing traits

History of the Six Traits Professional Development Model  Development Model  

•The six traits were developed in the 1980s by teachers from across the country. These teachers evaluated thousands of papers at all grade levels and identified “common characteristics of good writing”.

•These “qualities” became the six traits.

Ideas—the main message

Organization—the internal structure of the piece

Voice—the personal tone and flavor of the author's message

Word Choice—the vocabulary a writer chooses to convey meaning

Sentence Fluency—the rhythm and flow of the language

Conventions—the mechanical correctness

Presentation—how the writing actually looks on the page

Effective writing exhibits seven traits, or qualities: ideas, organization, voice, words, sentences, correctness, and design.

Design

Typography, color, white space, lists, visuals, and other elements convey the message clearly and suit the subject and purpose.

Ideas

The Ideas are the main message, the content of the piece, the main theme, together with all the supporting details that enrich and develop that theme. The Ideas are strong when the message is clear, not garbled. The writer chooses details that are interesting, important, and informative–often the kinds of details the reader would not normally anticipate or predict. Successful writers do not "tell" readers things they already know; e.g., "It was a sunny day, and the sky was blue, the clouds were fluffy white …" Successful writers "show" readers that which is normally overlooked; writers seek out the extraordinary, the unusual, the unique, the bits and pieces of life that might otherwise be overlooked.

Organization

The organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of central meaning, the pattern and sequence, so long as it fits the central idea. Organizational structure can be based on comparison-contrast, deductive logic, point-by-point analysis, development of a central theme, chronological history of an event, or any of a dozen other identifiable patterns. When Organization is strong, the piece begins meaningfully and creates in the writer a sense of anticipation that is, ultimately, systematically fulfilled. Events proceed logically; information is given to the reader in the right doses at the right times so that the reader never loses interest. Connections are strong, which is another way of saying that bridges from one idea to the next hold up. The piece closes with a sense of resolution, tying up loose ends, bringing things to a satisfying closure, answering important questions while still leaving the reader something to think about.

Voice

Voice is the writer coming through the words, the sense that a real person is speaking to us and cares about the message. It is the heart and soul of the writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life, and breath. When the writer is engaged personally with the topic, he/she imparts a personal tone and flavor to the piece that is unmistakably his/hers alone. And it is that individual something–different from the mark of all other writers–that we call Voice.

Word Choice

Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. In descriptive writing, strong Word Choice results in imagery, especially sensory, show-me writing, clarifies, and expands ideas. In persuasive writing, purposeful Word Choice moves the reader to a new vision of ideas. In all modes of writing figurative languages such as metaphors, similes, and analogies articulate, enhance, and enrich the content. Strong Word Choice is characterized not so much by an exceptional vocabulary chosen to impress the reader, but more by the skill to use everyday words well.

Sentence Fluency

Sentence Fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye. How does it sound when read aloud? That's the test. Fluent writing has cadence, power, rhythm, and movement. It is free of awkward word patterns that slow the reader's progress. Sentences vary in length, beginnings, structure, and style, and are so well crafted that the reader moves through the piece with ease.

Conventions

The Conventions trait is the mechanical correctness of the piece and includes five elements: spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar/usage, and paragraphing. Writing that is strong in Conventions has been proofread and edited with care. Since this trait has so many pieces to it, it's almost an analytical trait within an analytic system. As you assess a piece for convention, ask yourself: "How much work would a copy editor need to do to prepare the piece for publication?" This will keep all of the elements in conventions equally in play. Conventions is the only trait where we make specific grade level accommodations, and expectations should be based on grade level to include only those skills that have been taught. (Handwriting and neatness are not part of this trait. They belong with Presentation.)

Presentation

The presentation combines both visual and textual elements. It is the way we exhibit our present our message on paper. Even if our ideas, words, and sentences are vivid, precise, and well constructed, the writing will not be inviting to read unless it follows the guidelines of Presentation. These include Balance of white space with visuals and text, graphics, neatness, handwriting, font selection, borders, and overall appearance. Think about examples of text and visual presentation in your environment. Which signs and billboards attract your attention? Why do you reach for one CD over another? All great writers are aware of the necessity of Presentation, particularly technical writers who must include graphs, maps, and visual instructions along with their text. Presentation is key to a polished piece ready for publication.

Students learn by reading aloud and discussing samples of writing

•Students learn from seeing writing modeled.

•Sharing writing is important.

•Revising our own and the work of others has great instructional benefit.

•Writing frequently is important.

How the Traits Can Work for You

To Guide Writing:

How often do you get writer’s block? It may happen because you are overwhelmed, thinking about everything at once instead of taking it a step at a time. 

To Diagnose Problems:

How can you tell whether a message is working? The traits remove the guesswork. They zero in, telling you what works—and what does not work—in writing. Knowing the traits and following the steps will help you pinpoint problems in every form of communication.

To Solve Problems:

When there’s a problem with a message, how do you fix it? The traits provide specific, concrete solutions for everything from clarifying your main point to putting modifiers where they belong.

To Discuss Writing:

The traits provide a common language that people can use to discuss writing. Whether you need to advertise a product in a flier, convince a client to give your company some repeat business, break the bad news to valued employees, or deliver some other important message, the traits can help you work with others to produce effective communications.

The traits can guide you as you start a writing task.

Plan: When you begin writing, focus on ideas and organization.

Ideas: Decide on the main point and gather ideas to support it.

Organization: Decide on the best order for your ideas.

Draft: When you write the first draft, continue to focus on ideas and organization and also consider voice.

Voice: Use a tone that fits your subject, audience, and purpose.

Writing a letter or email

In a letter, your goal is to communicate your message and give a positive impression of yourself and your idea.

Plan: (Ideas and Organization)

Ask yourself what you want the letter to accomplish.

Consider the reader’s concerns about, knowledge of, and history with your idea/organization.

Gather information.

Gather files and other necessary resources.

Jot down your main points in a logical order.

Use the letter format (full-block, semi-block, or simplified) that your situation requires.

Draft: (Ideas, Organization, and Voice)

Opening State the situation (reason for writing, background).

Middle Give the full explanation, supporting points, and details. If your message is good or neutral news, make your key point early. For a piece of bad news or persuasive message, build up to the main point.

Closing End with a call to action (who should do what, when), and, if appropriate, mention future contact.

Using the Traits to Diagnose and Solve Problems

After you write the first draft, the traits can help you diagnose problems and implement solutions.

Revise: When you review your first draft, continue to focus on the first three traits and also consider words and sentences.

Words: Replace general nouns and verbs and cut wordiness.

Sentences: Adjust sentences until they read smoothly.

In a letter, your goal is to communicate your message and give a positive impression of yourself and your organization.

Revise: (Ideas, Organization, Voice, Words, and Sentences)

Are all names, dates, and details accurate?

Is the information presented in a logical order?

Do you use a conversational but professional tone?

Do you emphasize the reader’s perspective?

Have you used precise wording?

Have you used personal pronouns in a positive way?

Do you have smooth sentences that pass the “read aloud” test?

Using the Traits to Discuss Writing

After the letter is revised, it needs editing. Then you can prepare a finished piece like the one below. The traits help you discuss the writing with other team members.

Edit: When you edit your work, focus on the last two traits.

Correctness: Check punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and grammar.

Design: Present your work in the accepted format.

In a letter, your goal is to communicate your message and give a positive impression of yourself and your organization.

Edit: (Conventions and Design)

Have you checked spelling (especially double-checked names)?

Have you checked grammar, punctuation, and mechanics?

Have you checked the format and design?