What are the six traits of writing?
- Ideas
- Organization
- Voice
- Sentence Fluency
- Word Choice
- Conventions
Why are the six traits of writing important?
First and foremost, the six traits of writing are the most important elements of a piece of writing. If a student has great ideas but his/her essay is disorganized and hard to follow, it is more difficult for the reader to understand what they are reading. If a student, or any writer, is missing one of these traits, their writing is weakened. Finally, on the AIMS test, students are evaluated based on the six traits of writing.
How do I know what each of these traits mean?
Below is a brief overview of each trait:
Ideas- Students need original and creative ideas that are interesting to the reader.
Example: Essay about keys -VS.- Essay about how keys were important for people involved in the underground railroad.
Organization- Students need proper sentence and paragraph format. This format should make it easy for the reader to follow the chain of events.
Example: The alley is where the cat ran down. -VS.- The cat ran down the alley.
Voice- Characters in a story must speak in a believeable way. The writer's personality should shine through in his/her writing. Also, the writing must be appropriate for the audience.
Example: In a letter to the president the student uses text messaging speak such as "IDK" (I don't know)
-VS.-
In a letter to the president the student uses "sir" and removes inappropriate slang
Sentence Fluency- Sentences flow together and students use transitions to link sentences in a paragraph together. Also, students use transition words to link pragraphs to one another.
Example: I like chicken. It is good. I like my mom's chicken the best.
-VS.-
I like chicken but I especially like mom's chicken the best.
Word Choice- Choosing words that provide more impact on the reader. Also, using more descriptive words and vibrant verbs.
Example: Her hair was very pretty. -VS.-When she glided through the door, her hair was silk flowing in a raven ribbon behind her.
Conventions- Using proper grammar and properly punctuating and spelling a piece of writing.
Example: Those is the cutest bunnys I ever seen -VS.- Those are the cutest bunnies I have ever seen.