Six Traits of Good Writing

1. Six Traits of Good Writing

2. Ideas • Ideas are the heart of the message • The content of the piece • The main theme • And all the details that enrich and develop that theme.

3. Ideas • Are strong when the message is clear, not garbled • The writer chooses details that are interesting, important, and informative

4. Ideas work well when: • There is a solid main idea • There is an idea that is clear and identifiable • Interesting, relevant, accurate details support, expand or clarify a main idea

5. Ideas work well when: • The main idea is brought to life • There is clarity… the message makes sense and is easily understood • Every sentence counts…no “fillers”

6. Organization • Gives ideas a direction • Guides the reader from point to point • Holds a piece of writing together • Helps a reader follow the writer’s thinking

7. Organization works when: • There is a logical beginning, middle and end

8. Organization works when • The beginning or lead identifies the purpose • The beginning or lead gives a sense of direction • The beginning or lead “hooks” the reader

9. Organization works when: • The main idea is clear • The main idea is developed • A story revolves around a turning point • Transitions are smooth

10. Organization works when: • The ending or conclusion wraps up the discussion or the story • The ending is satisfying