1.Ideas are what the writer has to say,
a message. "What
is the message you
have to tell us?" Ideas paint a picture in the reader's mind.
2.Word Choice
is
where the writer creates a
mental picture for
the reader by using words that are specific and accurate. "Do
you select words or phrases that sound
just right?" Good word choice is clear, colorful, and precise.
3..Voice is
the personality of the writer coming through on the page. "Do you show us your personality in your
writing?" Your voice should come through in your
writing
4.Sentence Fluency
means
creating a sense of rhythm
with the
sentences and a flow that the reader finds enjoyable to follow along. "How would this sound if it
was read out loud?"
5.Organization means the author uses a beginning that
hooks the reader. Is it
easy to follow with all supporting ideas linking to the main idea.
There is a stong ending.
6.Conventions means
is
it put together in an organized way. Does it have a topic
sentence and
supporting details?Does it have proper English and does it have correct
organization?
Six Traits RubricIdeas:
1 No clear sense of topic, little or no supportive
details,
disconnected, random thoughts.
2 Limited development of a single topic. May move
between
several
ideas.
3 Support is attempted. Ideas are reasonably
clear. Basic or
general
topic development.
4 Ideas are well developed, and specific details
support the
topic.
5 Clearly focused, relevant, quality details
develop a central
them.
Original ideas.
Organization:
1 Writing lacks a clear sense of direction.
Writing moves
around
randomly.
2 Writing sometimes supports the main idea,
attempts at
introduction
and/or conclusion.
3 Recognizable introduction and conclusion, some
use of
transitions,
loose ends.
4 Clear introduction and conclusion. Points or
events proceed
logically with transitions.
5 Writing flows smoothly throughout with clear
transitions.
Organization enhances idea.
Voice:
1 Writing is indifferent, uninvolved, distanced
from the
audience,
mechanical.
2 Writing lacks consistent engagement, but
attempts to develop
personal tone.
3 Writing is sincere, but doesn't fully show
personality of
the
writer. Uses generalities.
4 Writing reveals writer's personality, engaged in
the topic.
Personal tone is evident.
5 Writing is honest, engaging and compelling. The
writer
shines
through.
Word
Choice:
1 Limited use of vocabulary,
language may be used incorrectly, redundancy problems.
2 Vocabulary is developing.
Attempts to use language correctly with some errors.
3 Language and vocabulary is
functional but general. Attempts at colorful language.
4 Exhibits appropriate language,
with varied words and phrases.
5 Words convey the intended
message in a vivid, powerful and interesting way. Precise.
Sentence
Fluency:
1 Many errors in sentence structure. Sentences are
choppy, or
rambling.
2 Developing sentence fluency, but may repeat
patterns.
Attempts to
use connectives.
3 Sentences are constructed adequately. Variety
may be
attempted.
Occasionally awkward.
4 All sentences are complete with some variety in
length.
Comfortable phrasing.
5 Sentences are well built, complex, and varied in
length.
Writing
has a natural flow.
Conventions:
1 Frequent errors in grammar, punctuation,
spelling,
capitalization
and usage. Difficult to read.
2 Some errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling,
capitalization, and
usage impair readability.
3 Control over limited range of conventions.
Errors in
grammar,
spelling, usage not serious.
4 Solid grasp of conventions. Few minor errors in
grammar,
punctuation, spelling and usage.
5 Conventions are used effectively to enhance
style and
readability.This a checklist
that I think is a good one for third gread writers.
Traits
Resources
Here
you will find some
resources to help support you in your implementation of 6 Traits in
your classroom.
WritingFix
Picture Books and the 6 Traits
This site is FANTASTIC!!!
After recently receiving a grant, they are posting
free INTERACTIVE lessons based on picture books.
You HAVE to check it out!!!
Six Traits Writing
Assessment
A Site for Teachers Using Six Traits
The title is misleading as it's not just about assessment
InterActive
Six Trait Writing Process
Very interesting site - provides explanations, examples,
and you can set up a free account to track your class work
The Write Source Site
Student writing models and grade level writing topics
Also, ways to publish your students’ work online
Implementing
the Writing Process
Not a 6 Traits site, but a clear overview of the writing process
with some excellent ideas and resources
Especially helpful for new teachers
Of course,
these would be capitalized at the beginning of a sentence.
To indicate sequence or order
first, second, etc. at this point followed by next, last, finally,
previously, subsequently, after that, first of all, and then, next,
before, after, concurrently, at this time, meanwhile, simultaneously
To
introduce an example
for example, for instance, in this case, on this occasion, to
illustrate, to demonstrate, this can be seen when/where, . . . take the
case of,
To
indicate time
immediately, thereafter, formerly, prior to, previously, finally, then,
soon, during, at that time, before, after,
To
logically divide an idea
firstly, secondly, thirdly, initially, subsequently, ultimately, first,
next, finally,
To
compare in a different
way/sense, similarly, likewise, whereas, balanced against, by
comparison, similar to, like, just like, conversely,
To
contrast in contrast, on the
other hand, balanced against, however, on the contrary, unlike, a
different view, is differing from,
To
introduce an additional idea
in addition, also, finally, moreover, furthermore, one can also say,
and then, further, another, besides, that, nor,
To
introduce an opposite idea or show
exception
however, on the other hand, instead, whereas, while, in spite of, yet,
nevertheless, but, despite, even though, but one could also say . . .
still in contrast,
To
give an example
for example, in this case, take the case of, to illustrate, for
instance, to demonstrate,
To
summarize or conclude
in summary, in conclusion, in brief, as a result, on the whole, summing
up, as shown, ultimately, therefore, consequently, thus, in other
words, to conclude,
Here are some links to other pages
on my website. Enjoy!
1.
3.
4.
6.
Organization: 
To indicate sequence or order
