Characteristics of the Traits of Good Writing

Feb 1, 2009 by Annemarie

Ideas Trait

• Clear message
• Focused topic
• Attention to detail

Organization Trait

• Balance in the pictures or text
• Structure or framework that holds the piece together
• Opening that grabs the reader’s attention
• Logical order
• Sequenced events
• Transitions that link ideas together
• Satisfying ending

Word Choice Trait

• Rich, colorful language
• Ordinary words used in interesting ways
• Words used correctly and accurately
• Words create mind pictures for the reader

Voice Trait

• Individuality, personality is evident
• Sense of audience is present
• Writing is expressive
• Captures a tone or emotion—humorous, playful, sad, persuasive, etc.

Sentence Fluency Trait

• Sentences flow easily when read aloud
• May have a rhythmic quality
• Variety in sentence structure—not all sentences begin the same way
• Balanced between short and long sentences

Conventions Trait

• Concepts of print
• Spacing between letters and words
• Readable spelling
• Awareness of grammar, punctuation, and capitalization