presentation writing trait

• Resources ›
• For Educators ›
• Elementary Education ›

6 Traits of Writing

Characteristics, Definitions, and Activities for Each Component

Janelle Cox

• Classroom Organization
• Reading Strategies
• Becoming A Teacher
• Assessments & Tests
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Homeschooling
• M.S., Education, Buffalo State College
• B.S., Education, Buffalo State College

The six traits of writing model provides a recipe for successful prose writing. This approach defines the ingredients of effective writing for students to practice and teachers to assess, equipping both parties with tools for strategically analyzing written work.

Students can become self-sufficient and methodical writers when they learn to develop the following characteristics in their writing. To take advantage of this revolutionary model, learn what the six traits are and how to teach them.

What are the Six Traits of Writing?

The six key characteristics that define high-quality writing are:

Organization

Word choice, sentence fluency, conventions.

Please note that while this method is often called the 6 + 1 Trait Model, the plus one "presentation" trait is largely optional as it is a characteristic of the overall product and not the writing itself. This trait will not be described further here.

This writing component captures the main idea of a piece through detail. Only details that are relevant and informative of the main topic should be included. Strong writers have an awareness of how to use just the right amount of detail, using ideas that make the overall message more clear and leaving anything out that takes away from it.

How to Teach:

• Do an exercise with students where you tell a story using no detail while they close their eyes. Could they picture it? Ask them how to improve your story and introduce the concept that ideas need to be supported to be effective.
• Ask students to describe what is happening in a photograph. Have them do this in partnerships where only one partner can see the picture at a time and the other must convey the message of the photo in front of them.
• Have students compose a paragraph packed with as much supporting detail as possible. Tell them to choose a specific (true) event that happened to them and use their senses to describe it.

This trait describes how all ideas in a piece of writing must fit together within a larger message. The organizational structure of a written work needs to follow a clear pattern such as chronological order for narratives or logical order for informational writing. The writer needs to make strong connections from one point to another so that a reader can easily follow along. A sense of sequence is necessary for organizing.

How to Teach

• Take a piece of writing and cut it into chunks, having students piece the writing back together as best as they can.
• Jumble a list of directions and have students arrange the steps in order.
• Read two short informational books whose organization structures vary. Ask your students what is different about the organization of the books.

This trait describes the unique style of each writer. Through voice, a writer's personality permeates a piece but does not detract from the genre or message. Strong writers are not afraid to express their individuality and show readers their point of view. Good writing sounds like its writers.

• Discuss the personality traits of a few children's book authors, then read a variety of literature and have students try to identify the author by voice.
• Compare and contrast the voice in select fiction and nonfiction books.
• Have students write a letter to a grandparent about their favorite school subject. When they are finished, discuss how they cultivated their voice in the letter and whether they feel that their thoughts and emotions came through.

Word choice describes the effectiveness of each word in a piece of writing. Strong words enlighten readers and clarify ideas but too many large or misplaced words can muddle the message. Great writing is never verbose. Writers should be economical with their words and choose only the best ones because every word is important. Linguistic awareness and a robust vocabulary are necessary for effective writing.

• Keep a word wall, adding to and discussing it frequently.
• Show students a paragraph with words missing. Offer options for words to put in the blanks and explain why some of them are better than others.
• Introduce students to thesauruses. Teach that a well-rounded vocabulary is useful but caution against overdoing it by having them first replace as many words as they can in a paragraph and then only words that make sense to replace.

This trait describes the smoothness that sentences contribute to a piece. Fluent writing is rhythmic and forward-moving because its sentences are easy to read. Even more important to sentence fluency that correctness and grammar are meaning and variety. The best writers make sure that each of their sentences says precisely what it is supposed to say and vary their sentence structures so that they don't all resemble each other.

• Write a story where every single sentence begins and ends in the exact same way. Talk with your class about why this is problematic and have them help add variety to the sentence structures.
• Rearrange the sentences in a popular piece of writing. Have the students fix it and talk about why it matters that sentences flow easily into each other.
• Have students take a sentence in a piece of informational writing and flip the words around. Does it make more or less sense? Is their way better or worse?

This trait focuses on the correctness of a piece in terms of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and other rules. Writing can only be great if it is technically correct. Great writers are proficient punctuators, capable spellers, and grammar savants. Conventions require time and patience to master but are easy to practice.

• Give your students a word to correctly work into a sentence. Begin with simple sentence parts such as subjects and verbs and progressively get more difficult with adverbs, adjectives, and more.
• Teach students to peer review each other's work for correctness. They do not need to correct every tiny detail. Rather, focus on one skill at a time (punctuation, capitalization, etc.).
• Use curriculum materials such as handouts and mini-lessons to teach conventions.
• Nast, Phil . “6 + 1 Trait Writing.”  National Education Association .
• “What Are the Traits?”   Education Northwest , Dec. 2012.
• 10 Learning Strategies to Use in Your Classroom
• Building a Classroom Community
• 24 Journal Prompts for Creative Writing in the Elementary Classroom
• 10 Questions to Ask Yourself to Design Your Educational Philosophy
• Organizing and Managing Classroom Centers
• Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Prompts
• Thanksgiving Vocabulary Words
• Back to School Checklist for Teachers
• A Comprehensive List of Spring Words
• How to Boost Reading Comprehension With Reciprocal Teaching
• Journal Writing in the Elementary Classroom
• Fun Ideas to Enrich Students' Vocabulary
• 7 Reading Strategies and Activities for Elementary Students
• 10 Ways to Keep Your Class Interesting
• How to Set up Your Classroom for the First Day of School
• Dealing with Cleanliness in the Classroom

No New Notifications

• No Data View all notifications Mark all as read

The 6 Traits of Writing – A Summary of the 6+1 Trait Model

• Posted On: Thu Jul 25 2024
• Posted By: Bijay Poudel

The 6+1 Trait Writing Model is a framework that provides a structured approach to writing. It breaks down the writing process into seven key components, helping writers improve their skills and educators teach writing more effectively. This model emphasizes the importance of various elements that contribute to the quality and clarity of written work. 

Here is a summary of the 6+1 Trait Writing Model and its components.

Definition: The heart of the message, the content of the piece, and the main theme. Ideas are the foundation of good writing.

Key Points:

• Clarity and Focus: The main idea should be clear and well-developed.
• Details and Support: Use relevant and specific details to support the main idea.
• Originality: Present unique perspectives and insights.

Example: When writing a story, your central theme might be friendship. Your ideas should clearly depict the aspects of friendship, using specific incidents and detailed descriptions to bring the theme to life.

2. Organization

Definition: The internal structure of the piece, and how ideas are sequenced and connected. The organization guides the reader through the text.

• Introduction and Conclusion: Start with a strong introduction and end with a satisfying conclusion.
• Logical Flow: Arrange ideas in a logical order, ensuring a smooth transition between paragraphs.
• Paragraph Structure: Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or point.

Example: In a persuasive essay, start with an introduction that presents the argument, follow with body paragraphs that provide evidence, and conclude with a summary that reinforces the main point.

Definition: The writer’s unique style and personality expressed in the writing. Voice makes the writing engaging and authentic.

• Tone and Style: Match the voice to the purpose and audience of the piece.
• Engagement: Write with passion and energy to keep the reader interested.
• Authenticity: Let your unique perspective and personality shine through.

Example: In a personal narrative, your voice should reflect your individual experiences and emotions, making the story relatable and engaging for the reader.

4. Word Choice

Definition: The vocabulary a writer uses to convey meaning. Word choice impacts the clarity, tone, and effectiveness of the writing.

• Precision: Choose words that accurately convey your intended meaning.
• Variety: Use a diverse vocabulary to keep the writing interesting.
• Impact: Select words that create strong imagery and evoke emotions.

Example: Instead of saying “The dog was big,” you might say, “The enormous dog towered over the small child, its eyes gleaming with curiosity.” This choice of words paints a more vivid picture.

5. Sentence Fluency

Definition: The rhythm and flow of the language, the way sentences are written and how they sound together.

• Variety: Use a mix of sentence lengths and structures to create a natural flow.
• Clarity: Ensure sentences are clear and easy to understand.
• Pacing: Vary sentence length to control the pace and add emphasis where needed.

Example: “She ran to the store. She bought milk. She went home.” This can be improved to, “She dashed to the store, quickly picked up some milk, and hurried home.” The varied sentence structure improves the flow and engagement.

6. Conventions

Definition: The mechanical correctness of the piece, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting.

• Accuracy: Use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent style and format.
• Proofreading: Review and edit your work to catch errors.

Example: Ensure sentences like “Their going to there house” are corrected to “They’re going to their house,” maintaining grammatical accuracy and clarity.

+1. Presentation

Definition: The visual appeal of the text, including layout, formatting, and overall appearance. While not traditionally part of writing traits, presentation enhances the reader’s experience.

• Formatting: Use appropriate fonts, margins, and spacing.
• Visual Elements: Include headings, bullet points, and visuals where appropriate.
• Neatness: Ensure the final piece is clean and polished.

Example: A well-formatted essay with clear headings, properly indented paragraphs, and consistent font usage is more inviting and easier to read.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I improve my ideas in writing? A: Brainstorm thoroughly before writing, use specific details to support your main idea, and ensure your ideas are clear and focused.

Q: What strategies can help with organization? A: Create an outline before writing, use transitional phrases to connect ideas, and ensure each paragraph has a clear main point.

Q: How do I develop my writing voice? A: Write regularly, read widely to see how different voices are used, and be authentic in your writing.

Q: What are some tips for better word choice? A: Use a thesaurus to find precise words, read to expand your vocabulary, and avoid overused or vague words.

Q: How can I improve sentence fluency? A: Vary your sentence length and structure, read your writing aloud to check the flow, and revise awkward or choppy sentences.

Q: What should I focus on for conventions? A: Proofread carefully, use grammar and spell check tools, and consider having someone else review your work for errors.

Q: Why is presentation important in writing? A: A well-presented piece is easier to read and more professional, which can positively influence the reader’s perception of your work.

© 2024 Learnsic | All Rights Reserved

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

How the 6+1 TRAIT Model Improves Students' Writing

In  6+1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide: Grades 3 and Up , I outline how the 6+1 TRAIT model is more than an approach to teaching and assessing writing. It’s a vocabulary that teachers use to describe their vision of what good writing looks like—any kind of writing. Whether it’s a story about a quirky music teacher, an essay on the effects of global warming, or a persuasive piece on why Harry Potter books should be in every school library, certain characteristics—or traits—make the writing work: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation. Using the language of the 6+1 TRAIT model in our assessments gives us a shared vocabulary for speaking about and working with texts that students create.

The 6+1 TRAIT model is also form of analytic assessment, a method of looking at the main characteristics of writing and assessing them independent from one another. From its early conception to its present form, this model has provided classroom teachers with a powerful tool for communication about writing performance, one that far exceeds the limited information a single grade or score provides. By clearly defining the qualities of good writing, and helping teachers use that knowledge in the classroom, the model ensures that students receive useful feedback to improve their writing as it develops.

Student writing improves when the traits are used in a systematic way in the classroom and throughout the school. We must build curriculum that maintains a shared view of what “good” writing looks like that remains constant throughout the school years, K to 12. If expectations for students’ work keep building one year to the next, based on the same core criteria, we save valuable time reviewing and revising curriculum, which allows infinite opportunities for growth.

All writers need specific and direct feedback on their work, regardless of their stage of development. It’s important to explain to writers, or help them discover for themselves, the reasons a piece is or isn’t working and what to do about it. For those who have done a fine job, we want to realize that this is more than a happy accident, and that by recognizing the traits of success in their work, they can do it again and again. For those who are struggling, we want them to understand that writing is hard, but if they know what they are shooting for and have consistent and honest feedback, their work will improve with every attempt—and that’s no accident, either.

To learn more about  6+1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide: Grades 3 and Up , you can purchase the book  here .

About the author:

Ruth Culham, Ed.D.,  has published more than 40 best-selling professional books and resources with Scholastic and the International Literacy Association on the traits of writing and teaching writing using reading as a springboard to success. Her steadfast belief that every student is a writer is the hallmark of her work. As the author of  Traits Writing: The Complete Writing Program for Grades K–8  (2012), she has launched a writing revolution.  Traits Writing  is the culmination of 40 years of educational experience, research, practice, and passion.

How to Help Students Incorporate Their Voice Into Writing

Voice emerges when the writer approaches the topic at an emotional level. One sure way to help students do that is through music. Whether it’s an old classic that they’ve heard over and over or something contemporary, music reaches deep inside all of us and helps us to feel. This activity from  6+1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide Grades 3 and Up  will help students recognize voice and inspire them to incorporate it into their own writing:

What To Do:

• Find 3 to 5 different versions of a popular song that has been recorded by different artists over the years. (Beatles’ songs are a good place to start!)
• Before you play the original version of the song, tell students all you know about the song: when it was recorded, by whom, and so forth. Then ask them to close their eyes and just listen to the recording.
• Play the piece again, only this time ask students to record any feelings, emotions, connections, and images that may occur to them. Ask them to keep a running list of the words that describe the voice of the piece: “thoughtful,” “moody,” and “caring,” for example.
• Have students put their first collection of words aside, play another version of the same song, and ask them to list their thoughts again. It’s important for students to hear each piece a couple of times to truly appreciate the differences between the songs.
• Now play the other versions—as many as you can find. As students listen to version after version, their papers should fill with words describing what makes each one unique.
• As a class, record on the blackboard or on chart paper the different voices students heard for each rendition.
• Discuss the various responses and the role of voice in each recording.
• Challenge students to summarize each rendition in a sentence that captures the essence of its voice.

Follow up with more discussion by asking students how listening to music is like reading somebody’s writing. Let them talk or write out their ideas and be sure to allow plenty of time to share. You’ll be amazed at the depth of their understanding. And once students see voice as a powerful tool to make their writing stronger, they will look for ways to add it on their own.

Find more activities to teach students the 6+1 TRAIT model of writing with  6+1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide Grades 3 and Up . You can purchase the book  here .