Writing is Fun at the Ford Writing Lab!
At the Ford Writing Lab, we use the 6+1 Traits of Writing. The 6+1 Trait model is more than an approach to teaching and assessing writing. It is a vocabulary teachers use to describe what good writing looks like.
The 6 Traits of writing are:
*Ideas
Great ideas light up your writing! Ideas is the content of a piece of writing.
Tips for Using the Ideas Trait
*Pick an idea that interests you.
*Name the main idea.
*Don't add unrelated ideas.
*Add details.
*Write about what you know or about what you want to know.
*Organization
Structure your writing! Organization is the internal structure and the logical pattern of ideas.
Tips for Using the Organization Trait
*Start with a brilliant beginning.
*Build a mighty middle.
*Create an excellent ending.
*Tie your details together.
*Give your piece just the right title.
*Word Choice
Magnify your message! Word choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language.
Tips for Using the Word Choice Trait
*Paint a picture in your mind with words.
*Try unusual, yet appropriate words.
*Use verbs to create energy.
*Choose precise words.
*Select words and phrases accurately.
*Sentence Fluency
Read your writing aloud! Sentence Fluency is the flow and sound of the words.
Tips for Using the Sentence Fluency Trait
*Listen for rhythm.
*Use poetry.
*Find favorite sentences.
*Try beginning a sentence in a new way.
*Vary the length of your sentences.
*Play with phrases until they sound right.
*Voice
Sing out with voice! Voice is the writer's style and shows the writer's feelings. It is when your writing sounds like you.
Tips for Using the Voice Trait
*Make your writing sound like you.
*Show you care about your idea.
*Write with energy and enthusiasm.
*Write with your reader in mind.
*Take risks; make your writing memorable.
*Conventions
Check your writing for accuracy! Conventions represents the grammar and mechanics in a piece of writing.
Tips for Using the Conventions Trait
*Make space between letters and words.
*Use punctuation to show where to stop or pause.
*Use capitals on the first word in a sentence.
*Always capitalize the pronoun "I".
*Use capitals on important names and places.
