Six Traits to Good Writing
Conventions
Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the piece: spelling, grammar, and useage, paragraphing, use of capitols, and punctuation.
Six Traits
Conventions are . . .
- correct spelling
- correct grammar
- correct punctuation
- correct format
Ideas & Content
Ideas are . . .
WHAT you are writing.
WHY you are writing.
- Ideas & Content
- Organization
- VOICE
- Word Choice
- Sentence Fluency
- Conventions
- The ideas are the heart of the message, the content of the piece, the main theme, together with the details that enrich and develop that theme.
Organization
Organization is . . .
Wow your audience!
Every writer I know has trouble writing.
~Joseph Heller
- Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of central meaning, the logical and sometimes intriguing pattern of ideas.
Word Choice
inquisitive
Word choice means . . .
- choosing precise words
- choosing unique words
- not over using common words
- choosing strong verbs
vibrant
good
An Example:
Here is something small...
Word choice is the rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader.
very
flamboyant
humorist
Voice
- begin sentences in different ways
- use some long sentences
- use some short sentences
- when you read the paper aloud, the writing sounds smooth
Sentence fluency means . . .
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.
- The voice is the heart and soul, the magic, the wit, along with the feeling and conviction of the individual writer coming through the words.
What makes the writing sound like YOU.
Voice is . . .