Good writing is an essential skill for success in school and in life. It is a tool that can be used to communicate effectively and expressively. But what makes good writing? The answer lies in the Six Traits of Writing.
The Six Traits of Writing are Voice, Ideas, Presentation, Conventions, Organization, Word Choice, and Sentence Fluency. These traits provide a common language and guidelines for teachers to use with students so that they become familiar with the terms used in writing. Let’s take a closer look at each of these traits.
Voice is the personality and style of the writer that comes through in the writing. It is the unique “voice” of the writer that makes the writing stand out. Voice can be developed through practice and by paying attention to the details of the writing.
Ideas are the content of the writing. It is important for the writer to have a clear focus and to develop the ideas in a logical way. The ideas should be interesting and engaging for the reader.
Presentation is the way the writing looks on the page. It includes the layout, font, and other visual elements. It is important for the writer to pay attention to the presentation of the writing so that it is visually appealing.
Conventions are the rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling that are used in writing. It is important for the writer to pay attention to these conventions so that the writing is clear and error-free.
Organization is the structure of the writing. It is important for the writer to have a clear plan for the writing and to organize the ideas in a logical way.
Word Choice is the selection of words used in the writing. It is important for the writer to choose words that are precise and descriptive.
Sentence Fluency is the flow of the writing. It is important for the writer to create sentences that are varied in length and structure and that flow smoothly.
These Six Traits of Writing provide a common language and guidelines for teachers to use with students so that they become familiar with the terms used in writing. By understanding and practicing these traits, students can become better writers and express themselves more effectively. Good writing is an essential skill for success in school and in life, and the Six Traits of Writing provide a great foundation for developing this skill.