Trait Definitions
Shorter explanations More detailed explanations Metaphors for the 6+1 Traits
The "Six + 1 Traits of writing" provide a language students and teachers can use to talk about writing. The "traits" are the qualities of writing. All students at all levels can talk about their writing using this language. These traits are:
Idea/Content: No paper has value without ideas. Ideas should be presented clearly and developed fully with reasons, examples and support from a text. Insightful development of interesting ideas makes a paper great.
Organization: Writing should be organized logically and be easy to follow.
Word Choice: Precise and effective word choice adds clarity to writing.
Sentence Fluency: Sentences should be varied and effective in sound and in purpose. When read aloud, a paper should sound fluent and even rhythmic. Short, stilted sentences impair readability.
Voice: This is the personality and conviction of the writer showing through the words.
Conventions: Spelling, mechanics, usage, agreement are all conventions of writing. Too many errors in conventions impair readability.
Presentation: This is how the paper looks. Is it typed according to a format? Does it have a title page? Presentation affects readability.
A rubric sets the standard for excellence for each of these areas. Different rubrics fit different purposes. Some teachers may choose to score a project or paper using only a few of the traits or they may choose to score it using all of the traits.
Ideas
The Ideas are the heart of the message, the content of the
piece, the main theme, together with all the 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 …" They notice
what others overlook, seek out the extraordinary, the unusual, the bits and
pieces of life that others might not see.
Organization
Organization is the internal structure of a piece of
writing, the thread of central meaning, the pattern, 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 the 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 closure, answering important questions
while still leaving the reader something to think about.
Voice
The 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 good descriptive writing, strong word choice clarifies
and expands ideas. In persuasive writing, careful word choice moves the reader
to a new vision of things. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an
exceptional vocabulary that impresses 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 and style,
and are so well crafted that the writer moves through the piece with ease.
Conventions
Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the
piece–spelling, grammar and usage, paragraphing (indenting at the appropriate
spots), use of capitals, and punctuation. Writing that is strong in conventions
has been proofread and edited with care. Handwriting and neatness are not part
of this trait. Since this trait has so many pieces to it, it's almost a holistic
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.
Presentation
Presentation combines both visual
and verbal elements. It is the way we "exhibit" our message on paper. Even if
our ideas, words, and sentences are vivid, precise, and well constructed, the
piece will not be inviting to read unless the guidelines of presentation are
present. Think about examples of text and 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.
This is an example of a metaphor one group seniors demonstrated.
Six-Traits Doll closet:
Six-Traits Tool Box: