recognizing
the six traits
Grades 6-12
Describe “good” writing
Name the six traits of writing
Immerse in a trait-by-trait study
Read authentic writing samples
Presented by Kristina Smekens
[email protected]
Video code: #WPD107
www.SmekenswebPD.com • (888) 376-0448
©2014 Smekens Education Solutions, Inc.
Describe “good” writing
©2014 Smekens Education Solutions, Inc., www.SmekenswebPD.com
Page start time:
00:40
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The Trait of Ideas
Definition: Ideas are the heart of the message.
Evidence in Writing
• Writer selects topic he knows about
• Writer addresses all aspects of the writing task/prompt
• Topic narrowed to manageable proportions
• Ideas are developed (more than a list)
• Info is meaty and specific (not general or “fluffy” filler)
• Sentences stay on topic (focused)
• Ideas and information are paraphrased and sources cited
• Info is selected based on prior knowledge of the audience
• Reader questions are anticipated and answered
©2014 Smekens Education Solutions, Inc., www.SmekenswebPD.com
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03:35
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The Trait of Organization
Definition: Organization presents all the ideas in a logical order and flow.
Evidence in Writing
• Title grabs the reader’s attention (v. label)
• Strong first line or lead (beginning/introduction)
• Reasons/Details revealed in a purposeful/logical order (evidence of pre-writing)
• Pacing is intentional
• Ideas are linked by smooth transition words, phrases, and sentences
• Information revealed is unified and relevant (focused)
• Strong final statement or ending (conclusion)
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The Trait of Voice
Definition: Voice is the writer’s attitude about what he is writing.
Evidence in Writing
• Writer is interested in the topic; he cares about the topic
• Reader can interpret the writer’s “attitude” (playful, angry, frustrated, joyful, etc.)
• Writing may reflect the personality of the writer
• Tone is appropriate for purpose, audience, and genre of the writing
• In narrative writing, the writer conveys a tone or mood of the story
• In expository and persuasive/argumentative writing, the writer sounds like an expert
• Awareness of audience (e.g., questions, parentheses, etc.)
• Readers want to share the writing with others
• Writing may demonstrate a unique perspective
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Page start time:
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The Trait of Word Choice
Definition: Word choice is the use of specific, precise, bull’s-eye vocabulary.
Evidence in Writing
• Precise nouns
• Powerful action verbs
• Descriptive adjectives
• Images described show; they don’t tell
• Unique and fresh descriptions (v. clichés)
• Efficient writing (concise/succinct)
• Accurate and appropriate use of words (v. thesaurus pickers)
• Synonyms provide variety; minimal redundancy
• “Big words” may be phonetically spelled within a first draft
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The Trait of Sentence Fluency
Definition: Sentence fluency is how smooth the writing sounds.
Evidence in Writing
• Easy to read aloud the first time through
• Varied sentence beginnings
• Varied sentence types (declarative, interrogative, exclamatory, imperative; simple, compound, complex)
• Varied sentence lengths (short, medium, and long sentences)
• Use of figurative language
• Use of parallel structure
• Applies natural order of words in a series
©2014 Smekens Education Solutions, Inc., www.SmekenswebPD.com
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The Trait of Conventions
Definition: Conventions are the tools and rules writers use to help the reader understand the message.
Evidence in Writing
• Use of beginning sentence capitals
• Use of sentence punctuation
• Use of grammar and mechanics
• Use of grade-appropriate spelling
• Paragraph indentation
• Self-edits to correct errors
• Level of convention formality matches the purpose, audience, and genre of the writing
©2014 Smekens Education Solutions, Inc., www.SmekenswebPD.com
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Discussion: Turn & Talk
What did you learn about the Six Traits
that you didn’t know before?
What is the power of having your entire staff
use consistent language to describe “good” writing?
How might the Smekens icons help you remember
the definition for each writing trait?
How helpful was it to see the traits pointed out
within authentic student writing samples?
Which trait(s) do you feel most/least confident
teaching and assessing? Why?
“Classroom Connections” are a suite of webPD videos that
include entire mini-lessons recorded in actual classrooms.
Find the following on www.SmekenswebPD.com—
• Introducing the 6 Traits in 6 days with 1 text
Visit the Idea Library at www.SmekensEducation.com—where
you’ll discover hundreds of articles and free downloadable
resources for teaching reading and writing.
Search at www.SmekensEducation.com
GO
Search for articles tied to this training using these key words:
• 6 Traits
• anchor papers • genre-specific strategies
The Literacy Store
To purchase resources shared in this video, visit our online
bookstore, www.TheLiteracyStore.com.
How might the trait language impact your classroom?
#WPD107: Recognizing the Six Traits (Grades 6-12)
Bright Ideas
light bulb
Traits of Writing
Poster
Voice Poster
www.SmekenswebPD.com • (888) 376-0448
©2014 Smekens Education Solutions, Inc.