The 6+1 Writing traits-

 

Last LIT session focused on the 6+1 writing traits. We learned how each step was used to critique a piece of writing and how to positively give feedback that guided the students future writing. The six plus one trait is a way of teaching, modeling, and assessing the instruction of writing.  The Six Traits of writing are Ideas, Organization, Word Choice, Voice, Conventions, Sentence Fluency and Presentation.

The writing traits creates a common vocabulary for students and guidelines for teachers to use with students so that they become familiar with the terms used in writing. Thus, developing a consistency of effective writing within our students from grade level to grade level.   

 The six traits model allows teachers and students to focus on one or two elements of writing at a time creating a more manageable and effective way for students to learn how to write. It also is a means of providing specific feedback to students through the assessment of their writing. The six traits help both the student and teacher identify the areas of writing that the student needs work at improving. 

Good writing must incorporate the six traits of writing. The “Plus One” trait is the presentation of the writing piece. This is the trait that is considered for all writing, but not specifically or directly taught as the other traits are.  

Ideas are the message's evolution and significance. They concentrate on the ideas and content of your work. It all comes down to having strong, unique, and well-developed concepts that draw the reader in and serve as the foundation of your writing. These are the ideas and realizations you wish to share with your audience. It's about expressing your distinct viewpoint and proposing fresh, intriguing ideas. Your work gains depth and substance from ideas, which also make it interesting and thought-provoking. It also involves telling interesting and important tales, arguments, and facts. Ideas are the fire that ignites inspiration and creativity and propels your writing. It is crucial to remember that the ideas attribute entails the following: selecting a topic, concentrating on a topic, and determining the genre.All in all a great writing teacher should combine teaching the writing process to students and use the 6+1 writing traits as a guide to teach and assess students through the many stages of writing. This helps to create effective writers in our students.

Organization  -The piece's interior structure is its organization. It has to do with the way your writing is organized and flows. It is important that you convey your thoughts in a logical and cohesive way. This entails introducing your topic clearly, supporting it with body paragraphs, and tying everything together with a compelling conclusion. It makes it easier for people to follow your logic and comprehend what you're saying. Additionally, organization gives your work clarity and structure, which facilitates reading and comprehension.

Voice - Voice is the article's overall tone and the author's unique touch. A few elements of the voice attribute are picking subjects that are personally relevant to you, writing with passion and understanding, and using a certain tone. It is your writing's unique mark. Your distinct voice, manner, and personality come through in the words you write. Using voice might involve letting your personality come through in your writing and demonstrating your enthusiasm for a subject. Your work should have a unique voice that is true to who you are as a writer.

Word Choice- Word choice describes the particular words a writer chooses to employ in order to express meaning. Some aspects of attribute word choice include using words to paint a picture, selecting words with precision,  energize text with powerful verbs, and playing around with words. Word choosing is a literary skill that's similar to picking the ideal components for a tasty meal. It involves carefully choosing the appropriate words to successfully communicate your idea, using words to construct a vivid picture, evoke strong feelings, and create images. A deliberate word choice aids in establishing a certain tone and defining the mood for your audience.

Sentence Fluency- The way words and phrases flow through a text is known as sentence fluency. It resembles a fluid, rhythmic dialogue with your readers. Moreover, creating sentences that flow naturally from one to the next and dancing with words to produce a lovely rhythm is another aspect of sentence fluency. It makes your writing easier to read by assisting you in keeping a smooth, natural pace. Writing may seem repetitive when phrases are similar, much like word choice. Sentence fluency gives you the flexibility to change up the lengths and structures of your sentences, which will spice up your writing and keep readers interested.

Conventions- Conventions refer to the piece's mechanical accuracy. Teachers' eyes appear to catch this characteristic right away. Why? Errors in spelling, grammar, capitalization, and space are easily observable. The mechanics and norms of writing are referred to as conventions. In order to make sure that your writing is understandable and clear, it is crucial that you adhere to these guidelines. When conventions are used correctly, the reader is less likely to become sidetracked from your thoughts by typos. 

Presentation (+1)

Presentation is the way the work looks as a whole; present your writing in a stylish manner. It has to do with how your writing appears on paper. It takes into account elements like order, readability, and proper formatting. Your writing should be easy to read and visually pleasing.

For students, the six plus one writing attributes are crucial because they help them develop as writers. They provide pupils a structure to help them write better and communicate their thoughts clearly. Every characteristic focuses on a distinct facet of writing. Students can enhance their overall writing proficiency by comprehending and putting these qualities into practice. Additionally, the qualities support students' growth in self-awareness and written reflection. They get the ability to recognize their strong and weak points. This gives students the confidence to take responsibility for their writing and make improvements. The characteristics also foster understanding and effective communication. Students' writing becomes simpler to read and more comprehensible when they employ these qualities.