The 6+1 Traits of Writing Explained - Adwon Carty

Hey Readers! Today we will be looking at the 6+1 traits of writing. What is the 6+1 traits or writing you may ask?

The 6+1 Traits of Writing is a framework that utilizes seven (6+1) components to build both teacher and students skills of composing, editing  and revising all types of writing.  

The 6+1 Traits of writing Includes:

A. Ideas

    The first trait of writing capsules all the thoughts surrounding the prompt or topic to be written. Within this trait, the writer generates and documents all possible avenues, ideas, and focuses their perspective of which they are writing. It is vital within this trait, that the students are focused and elaborate well enough on the necessary points to be discussed. 

Here are some guidelines for the Idea trait: 

1. The topic is narrow, clear and manageable. 

2. The supporting details provide information that goes beyond the obvious.

 

3. The supporting details are accurate and support the main idea. 

4. The writer knows what he/she is writing about. The writing shows knowledge or experience about the idea. 

5. The writer provides information that is important. 

6. The reader understands what the writer is trying to convey and can often visualize the information.

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Ideas Trait: 

1. Ask the student to write about a thing that they love. This may be a favorite vacation, a hobby, an animal etc. Children love to write about things that interest them. 

2. Read a story that contains and elaborates on good ideas. Discuss how the author writes so that the reader can visualize what is happening in the story. Have the student write about an event in their life, then have someone else listen to the piece of writing and draw a picture of what they visualize based on what they have heard. 

    

B. Organization

    Once the ideas are narrowed and focused, students must organize those ideas and place them in a logical order which will greater enhance the structure of the written piece. This will allow students to gain a sense of 'Rhythm and Flow' when writing and provide an opportunity for the writer to chose an appropriate medium for their presentation. Organizing the students writing, will eliminate confusion and frustration for the writer and the reader due it the steady flow and merging of points. 

The following are guidelines for the Organization trait: 

1. Before writing, think about how the writing should be structured to be the most effective. Is there a pattern that can be used that would be the most successful in relaying the purpose of the writing? (Compare/contrast, sequencing etc.) 

2. Choose an introduction that is an “attention grabber.” The reader must be interested in reading on. 

3. Use transitions within the writing that connects the ideas together and allows for the paper to flow. 

4. Use details where they are appropriate and needed. Sequencing must be logical in order for it to be effective. 

5. The writing piece shows that the organization flows and the reader is engaged in the reading. 

6. The conclusion leaves the reader with resolution.

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Organization Trait: 

Hand out six index cards. Choose and activity such as brushing your teeth. Have the student write down the step-by-step procedure for the activity they choose. Mix the index cards and have another person put the cards in the order that the activity should take place. Discus how the importance of writing events in logical order gives the reader a clear picture of the purpose of the writing. 

C. Voice

When a writer's individuality is evident in their work, voice in writing is developed. It demonstrates the writer's interest in the subject and gives the reader the impression that a real person is speaking to them and is interested in what they are reading. The writer creates a connection with the reader by infusing their writing with emotions, zeal, uniqueness, and/or passion.

The following are guidelines for the Voice trait: 

1. The manner of the writing shows that the reader is interested in the topic, which engages the reader.

2. The reader feels “connected” to the writer.

3. The writers’ personality is evident in the writing 

4. Expository or persuasive writing shows evidence of a commitment of the writer to the topic. 

5. Narrative writing is honest, appealing, personal and engages the reader. The reader reacts to the writing. 

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Voice Trait: 

Encourage students to say what they mean in writing. Often children can verbally express their thoughts and ideas. Tell them to verbally state an idea, and then put those words down onto paper.

D. Word Choice

Word choice in writing is selecting words that will provide clarity, elicit emotions, moods, likes, and dislikes, and paint a clear image for the reader. Pupils learn that there are various forms of intellectual expression. When they incorporate new and different words into their writing, they develop a greater awareness of the power and usage of language.

The following are guidelines for the Word Choice trait: 

1. The words are specific to where the reader understands what the writer means. 

2. Words and phrases are used to maintain the readers’ attention. The reader is anxious to read on.

3. The selection of words should include new words, words that show action or movement, words that describe, words that go beyond the child’s spelling ability, words that help the reader see, feel, hear, taste, or understand. 

4. Lively verbs, adverbs, and adjectives are used to develop the writing. Nouns are specific to add depth and clarity. 

 5. Repetition of words is avoided at both the beginning of sentences and within the writing piece. Choosing a variety of words makes reading more enjoyable. (For example: over use of the words the, they, nice, good, said, it etc.) 

6. The language used in the writing is appropriate and effective for the meaning to be conveyed. 

7. The right words or phrases are chosen and used within the writing to make it more powerful. 

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Word Choice Trait: 

1. Choose a sentence with an overused word and write it down. For example: I had a very good day. Rewrite the sentence and use a blank instead of good. I had a very __________ day. Talk about different words or phrases that could be used instead of good to create a better sentence. 

2. Create a Thesaurus with overused words. For example, write the word said on the top of the page. Brainstorm different words that could be used instead of said. The following words may be included: shouted, exclaimed, whispered, gasped etc. 

E. Sentence Fluency

The quality of writing we look for is sentence fluidity. It is hearing the rhythm and flow of the written language. Sentences should differ in length and structure in well-written pieces so that the reader can add their own thoughts as they read. The author employs coherent, unambiguous sentences. To demonstrate the connections between ideas, sentences should also flow naturally.

The following are guidelines for the Sentence Fluency trait:

1. Sentences should enhance the topic or main idea. 

2. Sentences match the mood of the writing. 

3. Sentences should vary in length and structure. 

4. Sentence beginnings should be purposeful and varied.

 

5. Sentences should flow together. Transitions and connections between sentences show how they relate to and build upon each other. 

6. The writer chose words that sound good and the writing is easy to read. 

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Sentence Fluency Trait:

1.Read a story from the book list. Talk about the use of sentence fluency and how it improves the story.

 

2. Practice writing using similes, rhymes, and alliterations. 

3. Practice writing using simple and compound sentences.  

F. Conventions

Writing conventions include editing procedures. This covers capitalization, grammar, punctuation, spelling, indentation, and paragraphing. Accurate usage of conventions makes it easier for the reader to follow up and understand the content. An additional factor to take into account when evaluating a student's writing conventions is their age and grade level. 

The following are guidelines for the Conventions trait: 

1. Writing is left to right and up to down orientation 

2. Spacing between words is adequate. 

3. Spelling is generally correct. 

4. Punctuation is accurate and appropriate for the grade level. 

5. Capitalization is consistent throughout the writing. 

6. Proper use of grammar that helps to clarify the piece. 

7. Appropriate use of paragraphing within the writing. Indentation is used correctly. 

8. The use of conventions adds style to the writing.

Writing Activities for Children to focus on the Conventions Trait:

 1. Have the student write a paragraph. Use the checklist provided to edit their writing. 

2. Write a paragraph with incorrect punctuation, grammar, and capitalization. Have the students edit the paragraph to find the mistakes

G. Presentation

This is the overall appearance of the piece and how the writer chooses to display their work to their audience. This may include but not limited to font style and size, paragraph formatting which will all contribute to the readability of the work being produced.  

Thank you for reading !