6+1 Traits of Writing
Six plus one traits of writing and the writing process are essential elements of effective writing instruction. If the writing process is the “how” of excellent writing, then the traits of writing represent the “what.” A good writer skillfully and purposefully manages some combination of traits. 6+1 Traits of Writing is a research-based model of teaching and assessing writing, which gives teachers and students a common vocabulary for talking about writing across the disciplines and helps to create consistent expectations for what good writing looks like. What is essential for any type of good writing? The answer to that question is the 6+1 Traits of Writing:
Ideas
Organization
Voice
Word Choice
Sentence Fluency
Conventions
Presentation
Organization
Voice
Word Choice
Sentence Fluency
Conventions
Presentation
These traits are also classified into two major groups: revision traits and editing/publishing traits. Revision traits include ideas, organization, voice, word choice, and sentence fluency. Editing/publishing traits include conventions and presentation. It is important to understand the difference between revision and editing. Revision means improving the quality of ideas. Editing makes the text more readable and understandable through the correct use of conventions and presentation.