Traits of Good Writing
A. Ideas and Content trait
This trait lays the foundation for other aspects of effective student writing. Students need to develop their ideas and to present them clearly. Good writers write about what they know, topics they are interested in or have some expertise, and topics they have researched and gained experience in.
1. Select an idea or topic
2. Narrow the idea to find a focus
3. Elaborate or develop the idea
4. Connect writing to personal experience
5. Use interesting, relevant, specific details, insight and examples
6. Show, don't tell....surprise the reader with what you know
B. Word Choice trait
Thinking about the word choice enables students to write so the reader will understand and want to read. Writing comes alive when students use action words, descriptive nouns and adjectives. Good writers listen to how words sound, use words that sound natural and add to the meaning of the writing.
1. Use powerful, interesting vocabulary
2. Include colourful descriptions
3. Create strong visual imagery or pictures in the mind of the reader
4. Use the senses, lively verbs and phrases of comparison ("she moved like a graceful swan" , "the little boy tiptoed as quiet as a mouse")
C. Fluency trait
As writers develop fluency, they play with different word patterns and use words to match the mood of their writing. Fluent writing contains sentences varying in length and structure.
1. Play with language and words
2. Use different word patterns
3. Use words to match the mood of the writing
4. Vary sentence length and structure
5. Write clear sentences that make sense
6. Write with natural rhythm and flow
7. Make sure all the necessary words are present
8. Check by reading aloud. Can it be read with expression?
D. Voice trait
The voice trait focuses specifically on a writer's individual style. So the author's personality comes through in his or her writing because he writes from his or her thoughts and feelings. Good writers focus on their audience - they know who they are writing to and try to draw the reader in as they bring a topic to life.
1. Allow the reader to sense a real person - a child's writing is one of a kind
2. Sound like yourself as you write
3. Allow your personality to come through in the writing a child to take chances with writing styles
4. Show a strong commitment to the topic - write telling your thoughts and feelings
5. Bring the topic to life
6. Stay focused on the audience
E. Organization trait
When students begin to use the organizational trait in their writing, they are looking at the whole picture. Effective writing has a logical order and sequence, showing clear direction and purpose. There is an introduction, a development of ideas in paragraphs, with transitions to tie them together, and a good ending.
1. Has an interesting introduction which hooks the reader
2. Transitions tie thoughts together
3. Sentences and ideas are logically developed and guide the reader to the main point
4. Flows smoothly
5. The conclusion makes the reader think
6. Clear direction and purpose
F. Convention trait
The convention trait breaks the huge process of editing into smaller parts. Good writers are able to read and edit work written by others and then self-edit their own
1. Include proper punctuation
2. Use correct capitalization
3. Check for correct spelling
4. Check for grammar and correct word usage
5. Check for appropriate paragraphs
6. Include an appropriate title
G. Presentation trait
This trait focuses on the publication part of the writing process. This trait consists of two components: visual and auditory. The visual component includes the use of colour, visuals, and neatness of print. The auditory component includes public speaking, drama and expression.
Visual Elements
1. Uniform spacing
2. Legible and consistent handwriting or printing
3. Looks nice - good use of space
4. Illustrations, charts, diagrams, photos, or graphs catch the reader's attention, add to the work and are coloured carefully.
Auditory Elements
1. Tell about experience and knowledge of the topic
2. Ask and respond to questions
3. Read writing to others
4. Make eye contact when giving oral presentations
5. Organization of ideas is evident and is at the appropriate audience level