The Six Traits of Good Writing
Six Trait Definition
The Six Trait Writing Model helps students understand what is working well
and what needs to be improved in their writing. The Six Trait model breaks
down writing performance into a manageable group of teachable and assessable
skills.
Organization is the structure of the paper. "Can we follow your message and
does it make sense?" Good organization keeps a piece of writing together and
makes it easy to follow-like a set of good instructions.
Ideas are what the writer has to say, a message. "What is the message you
have to tell us?" Ideas paint a picture in the reader's mind.
Word Choice is where the writer creates a mental picture for the reader by
using words that are specific and accurate. "Do you select words or phrases
that sound just right?" Good word choice is clear, colorful, and precise.
Voice is the personality of the writer coming through on the page. "Do you
show us your personality in your writing?" Your voice should come through in
your writing.
Sentence Fluency means creating a sense of rhythm with the sentences and a
flow that the reader finds enjoyable to follow along. "How would this sound
if it was read out loud?"
Conventions include spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and
paragraphing. "Does this need editing so that we can read without
distraction?"
Six Traits Rubric
Ideas:
1 No clear sense of topic, little or no supportive details, disconnected,
random thoughts.
2 Limited development of a single topic. May move between several ideas.
3 Support is attempted. Ideas are reasonably clear. Basic or general topic
development.
4 Ideas are well developed, and specific details support the topic.
5 Clearly focused, relevant, quality details develop a central them.
Original ideas.
Organization:
1 Writing lacks a clear sense of direction. Writing moves around randomly.
2 Writing sometimes supports the main idea, attempts at introduction and/or
conclusion.
3 Recognizable introduction and conclusion, some use of transitions, loose
ends.
4 Clear introduction and conclusion. Points or events proceed logically with
transitions.
5 Writing flows smoothly throughout with clear transitions. Organization
enhances idea.
Voice:
1 Writing is indifferent, uninvolved, distanced from the audience,
mechanical.
2 Writing lacks consistent engagement, but attempts to develop personal
tone.
3 Writing is sincere, but doesn't fully show personality of the writer. Uses
generalities.
4 Writing reveals writer's personality, engaged in the topic. Personal tone
is evident.
5 Writing is honest, engaging and compelling. The writer shines through.
Word Choice:
1 Limited use of vocabulary, language may be used incorrectly, redundancy
problems.
2 Vocabulary is developing. Attempts to use language correctly with some
errors.
3 Language and vocabulary is functional but general. Attempts at colorful
language.
4 Exhibits appropriate language, with varied words and phrases.
5 Words convey the intended message in a vivid, powerful and interesting
way. Precise.
Sentence Fluency:
1 Many errors in sentence structure. Sentences are choppy, or rambling.
2 Developing sentence fluency, but may repeat patterns. Attempts to use
connectives.
3 Sentences are constructed adequately. Variety may be attempted.
Occasionally awkward.
4 All sentences are complete with some variety in length. Comfortable
phrasing.
5 Sentences are well built, complex, and varied in length. Writing has a
natural flow.
Conventions:
1 Frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization and
usage. Difficult to read.
2 Some errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and usage
impair readability.
3 Control over limited range of conventions. Errors in grammar, spelling,
usage not serious.
4 Solid grasp of conventions. Few minor errors in grammar, punctuation,
spelling and usage.
5 Conventions are used effectively to enhance style and readability.