6 Trait Defintions taken from: http://educationnorthwest.org/resource/503#top
Ideas
The Ideas are the main message, the content of the piece, the main theme,
together with all the supporting details that enrich and develop that theme. The
ideas are strong when the message is clear, not garbled. The writer chooses
details that are interesting, important, and informative–often the kinds of
details the reader would not normally anticipate or predict. Successful writers
do not "tell" readers things they already know; e.g., "It was a sunny day, and
the sky was blue, the clouds were fluffy white …" Successful writers "show"
readers that which is normally overlooked; writers seek out the extraordinary,
the unusual, the unique, the bits and pieces of life that might otherwise be
overlooked.
Organization
Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of
central meaning, the pattern and sequence, so long as it fits the central idea.
Organizational structure can be based on comparison-contrast, deductive logic,
point-by-point analysis, development of a central theme, chronological history
of an event, or any of a dozen other identifiable patterns. When the
organization is strong, the piece begins meaningfully and creates in the writer
a sense of anticipation that is, ultimately, systematically fulfilled. Events
proceed logically; information is given to the reader in the right doses at the
right times so that the reader never loses interest. Connections are strong,
which is another way of saying that bridges from one idea to the next hold up.
The piece closes with a sense of resolution, tying up loose ends, bringing
things to a satisfying closure, answering important questions while still
leaving the reader something to think about.
Voice
Voice is the writer coming through the words, the sense that a real person is
speaking to us and cares about the message. It is the heart and soul of the
writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and breath. When the writer
is engaged personally with the topic, he/she imparts a personal tone and flavor
to the piece that is unmistakably his/hers alone. And it is that individual
something–different from the mark of all other writers–that we call Voice.
Word Choice
Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates
not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader.
In descriptive writing, strong word choice resulting in imagery, especially
sensory, show-me writing, clarifies and expands ideas. In persuasive writing,
purposeful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of ideas. In all modes
of writing figurative language such as metaphors, similes and analogies
articulate, enhance, and enrich the content. Strong word choice is characterized
not so much by an exceptional vocabulary chosen to impress the reader, but more
by the skill to use everyday words well.
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.
How does it sound when read aloud? That's the test. Fluent writing has cadence,
power, rhythm, and movement. It is free of awkward word patterns that slow the
reader's progress. Sentences vary in length, beginnings, structure, and style,
and are so well crafted that the reader moves through the piece with ease.
Conventions
The Conventions Trait is the mechanical correctness of the piece and includes
five elements: spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar/usage, and
paragraphing. Writing that is strong in Conventions has been proofread and
edited with care. Since this trait has so many pieces to it, it's almost an
analytical trait within an analytic system. As you assess a piece for
convention, ask yourself: "How much work would a copy editor need to do to
prepare the piece for publication?" This will keep all of the elements in
conventions equally in play. Conventions is the only trait where we make
specific grade level accommodations, and expectations should be based on grade
level to include only those skills that have been taught. (Handwriting and
neatness are not part of this trait. They belong with Presentation.)
Presentation
Presentation combines both visual and textual elements. It is the way we
exhibit or present our message on paper. Even if our ideas, words, and sentences
are vivid, precise, and well constructed, the writing will not be inviting to
read unless the guidelines of presentation are present. Some of those guidelines
include: balance of white space with visuals and text, graphics, neatness,
handwriting, font selection, borders, overall appearance. Think about examples
of text and visual presentation in your environment. Which signs and billboards
attract your attention? Why do you reach for one CD over another? All great
writers are aware of the necessity of presentation, particularly technical
writers who must include graphs, maps, and visual instructions along with their
text. Presentation is key to a polished piece ready for publication.
Ideas
The Ideas are the main message, the content of the piece, the main theme,
together with all the supporting details that enrich and develop that theme. The
ideas are strong when the message is clear, not garbled. The writer chooses
details that are interesting, important, and informative–often the kinds of
details the reader would not normally anticipate or predict. Successful writers
do not "tell" readers things they already know; e.g., "It was a sunny day, and
the sky was blue, the clouds were fluffy white …" Successful writers "show"
readers that which is normally overlooked; writers seek out the extraordinary,
the unusual, the unique, the bits and pieces of life that might otherwise be
overlooked.
Organization
Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread of
central meaning, the pattern and sequence, so long as it fits the central idea.
Organizational structure can be based on comparison-contrast, deductive logic,
point-by-point analysis, development of a central theme, chronological history
of an event, or any of a dozen other identifiable patterns. When the
organization is strong, the piece begins meaningfully and creates in the writer
a sense of anticipation that is, ultimately, systematically fulfilled. Events
proceed logically; information is given to the reader in the right doses at the
right times so that the reader never loses interest. Connections are strong,
which is another way of saying that bridges from one idea to the next hold up.
The piece closes with a sense of resolution, tying up loose ends, bringing
things to a satisfying closure, answering important questions while still
leaving the reader something to think about.
Voice
Voice is the writer coming through the words, the sense that a real person is
speaking to us and cares about the message. It is the heart and soul of the
writing, the magic, the wit, the feeling, the life and breath. When the writer
is engaged personally with the topic, he/she imparts a personal tone and flavor
to the piece that is unmistakably his/hers alone. And it is that individual
something–different from the mark of all other writers–that we call Voice.
Word Choice
Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates
not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader.
In descriptive writing, strong word choice resulting in imagery, especially
sensory, show-me writing, clarifies and expands ideas. In persuasive writing,
purposeful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of ideas. In all modes
of writing figurative language such as metaphors, similes and analogies
articulate, enhance, and enrich the content. Strong word choice is characterized
not so much by an exceptional vocabulary chosen to impress the reader, but more
by the skill to use everyday words well.
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.
How does it sound when read aloud? That's the test. Fluent writing has cadence,
power, rhythm, and movement. It is free of awkward word patterns that slow the
reader's progress. Sentences vary in length, beginnings, structure, and style,
and are so well crafted that the reader moves through the piece with ease.
Conventions
The Conventions Trait is the mechanical correctness of the piece and includes
five elements: spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar/usage, and
paragraphing. Writing that is strong in Conventions has been proofread and
edited with care. Since this trait has so many pieces to it, it's almost an
analytical trait within an analytic system. As you assess a piece for
convention, ask yourself: "How much work would a copy editor need to do to
prepare the piece for publication?" This will keep all of the elements in
conventions equally in play. Conventions is the only trait where we make
specific grade level accommodations, and expectations should be based on grade
level to include only those skills that have been taught. (Handwriting and
neatness are not part of this trait. They belong with Presentation.)
Presentation
Presentation combines both visual and textual elements. It is the way we
exhibit or present our message on paper. Even if our ideas, words, and sentences
are vivid, precise, and well constructed, the writing will not be inviting to
read unless the guidelines of presentation are present. Some of those guidelines
include: balance of white space with visuals and text, graphics, neatness,
handwriting, font selection, borders, overall appearance. Think about examples
of text and visual presentation in your environment. Which signs and billboards
attract your attention? Why do you reach for one CD over another? All great
writers are aware of the necessity of presentation, particularly technical
writers who must include graphs, maps, and visual instructions along with their
text. Presentation is key to a polished piece ready for publication.