1. Six Traits of Writing An Introduction

2. The Traits of Good Writing • A trait can be defined as a quality or characteristic critical to successful performance. • Traits give the writer a clear picture of what to do to revise their writing – making it the best it can be.

3. Purpose… • The purpose of using Six Traits is to give teachers and students the same language and expectations of writing. • Ideas: The Message • Organization: Design • Voice: Fingerprints on the Page • Word Choice: Phrasing • Sentence Fluency: Rhythm and Flow • Conventions and Presentation: Preparing to Publish

4. So, what is the deal with the ice cream sundaes? We will be using the metaphor of an ice cream sundae to show how all the traits work together to make one yummy piece of writing! something that represents something else

5. Ideas are the beginning of writing. …just like the bowl that holds the ice cream. 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.

6. Organization is the ice cream A great sundae has a scoop of vanilla, then a scoop of chocolate, and a scoop of strawberry. This gives the sundae a pattern. Organization is the pattern and designof writing. Organization is your planfor writing.

7. Voice= the mix-ins …like sprinkles, nuts, candy bits, cookie pieces. Mix-ins make your sundae truly you! Voice in writing is “you” on the page: your personality, your enthusiasm, and your own individuality. You leave your finger print on the page.

8. Word Choice is the toppings No sundae would be complete without just the right toppings! Choosing the right words helps to convey your meaning. Words choice helps create pictures in the reader’s mind.

9. Sentence Fluency is the syrup Syrup flows down the ice cream and adds to the sundae. Sentence fluency means the writing flows smoothly and easily. It adds rhythm to the writing.

10. Conventions= the spoon The last thing you do before you start to eat your sundae is pick up your spoon! This is the last trait you pay attention to. Conventions is all about getting your writing ready to share with the world. Edit Revise Format

11. Finally…Enjoy!