• 6 Traits of Writing
• Ideas:  Ideas make up the content of the piece of writing-the heart of the message.
• Organization:  Organization is the internal structure of the piece, the thread of meaning, the logical pattern of the ideas.
• Voice:  Voice is the soul of the piece.  It's what makes the writer's style singular, as his or her feelings and convictions come out through the words.
• Word Choice:  Word choice is at best when it includes the use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader.
• Sentence Fluency:  Sentence Fluency is the flow of the language, the sound of word patterns-the way the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye.
• Conventions:  Conventions represent the piece's level of correctness-the extent to which the writer uses grammar and mechanics with precision.

Questions students should ask themselves when reading their piece of writing

• Ideas:  Is the writing focused on one main ideas?  

                       Is the main idea supported by interesting details?

                       Does the piece include interesting and original ideas?

                       Do you seem to be an expert on the topic?

• Organization:  Does the beginning of the piece grab the reader's

                                attention?

                                Are there transitions to connect ideas and details?

                                Does the writing follow a logical sequence?

                                Does the ending wrap up the main idea?

• Voice:  Do you clearly express your thoughts?

                    Is your view point clear?

                    Does the writing address the audience?

                    Have you added a unique, personal touch to the piece?

• Word Choice:  Do you use everyday words well?

                                Do your words create detailed pictures in the reader's

                                mind?

                                Did you avoid repeating words?

                                Are ideas expressed with strong precise language?

• Sentence Fluency:  Do your sentences begin in different ways?

                                           Do sentences vary in length and structure?

                                           Can the reader move with ease from one sentence

                                           to the next?

                                            Does your writing have natural flow when read

                                             aloud?

• Conventions:  Has the writing been proofread?  

                               Is each word spelled correctly?

                               Are capitalization, grammar, and punctuation used properly?

                               Does each paragraph explain only one thought or idea?