Six Traits of Good Six Traits of Good WritingWriting

Six Traits of Good Six Traits of Good WritingWriting

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.

Ideas

• Are strong when the message is clear, not garbled

• The writer chooses details that are interesting, important, and informative

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

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”

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

Organization works when:

• There is a logical beginning, middle and end

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

Organization works when:

• The main idea is clear • The main idea is developed• A story revolves around a turning

point• Transitions are smooth

Organization works when:

• The ending or conclusion wraps up the discussion or the story

• The ending is satisfying