6 Traits of Writing

1. Ideas:  The ideas are the heart of the message, the content of the piece, the main theme, together with the details that enrich and develop that theme.

2. Organization:  Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of central meaning, the logical and sometimes intriguing pattern of the ideas.

3. Voice:  The voice is the heart and soul, the magic, the wit, along with the feeling and conviction of the individual writer coming out through the words.

4. Word Choice:  Word choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader.

5. Sentence Fluency:  Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear - not just to the eye.

6. Conventions:  Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the piece - spelling, grammar and usage, paragraphing, use of capitals, and punctuation.