The 6-traits are are used to teach writing components and can be used as a guideline for students writing. The following are definitions of the 6-traits for the purpose that you and your student can better understand what is meant by each of the 6-traits.
Students are taught each of the traits throughout the elementary grades. Some teachers assign 4-3-2-1 grades for each of the traits or for a specific trait that is a current area of focus. Sometimes students are required to concentrate on one or two specific traits when writing. The writing traits listed below describe the 6-traits.
Ideas and Content
My writing is clear, focused, and jam-packed with details.
You can tell I know a lot about this topic.
My writing is bursting with interesting tidbits.
My topic is small enough to handle.
Every point is clear.
Organization
I provide a clear and compelling direction to capture the reader.
My beginning gets you hooked.
Every detail is in the right place.
You won't feel lost.
My paper ends at just the right spot and it leaves you thinking.
Voice
I've put my personal stamp on this paper!
My paper shines with personality.
The writing is lively and engaging.
I speak to my readers.
The writing rings with confidence.
Word Choice
I pick just the right words to express my ideas and feelings.
Every word seems exactly right.
Colorful, fresh, and snappy-yet nothing overdone.
Accurate and precise: that's me!
Vivid, energetic words enliven every paragraph.
Sentence Fluency
My sentences are clear, varied, and a treat to read aloud!
Go ahead-read it aloud.
Sentence variety is my middle name. (Some are short, some are long)
Repeated patterns have been changed. (I avoid starting sentences and pargraphs with the same words).
Conventions
I make so few errors, it would be a snap getting this ready to publish!
Capitol letters are in the right place.
Great punctuation-grammar, too.
Spelling to knock your socks off.
Paragraphs are indented.