Grammar
Writing has certain characteristics or “traits” in order to be a successful
piece. When the student can recognize and copy each trait, better writing is
the result. There are six such traits for good writing: ideas, organization,
voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.
Ideas
- Clear message
- Focused on the topic
- Information that is fresh and imaginative
- Helpful details that go beyond the obvious
- Details that paint a picture
Organization
- Use a hook or grabber to capture the reader’s attention
- Clear and organized
- Easy to follow
- Every supporting detail connects to the main idea
- Interesting ending
Voice
- Personality shines through
- Makes the topic come to life
- Is appropriate to the audience,topic,purpose
Word Choice
- Exciting uses of action verbs,descriptive adjectives, and precise nouns
- Uses sensory descriptors
- Minimal redundancy
- Language that suits the topic, purpose and audience
Sentence Fluency
- Rhythmic
- Easy to read aloud
- A variety of sentence lengths and types
- Use of transitions to flow from one point to another
Conventions
- Correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and word usage
- Correct tenses
- Subject-verb agreement