The Six Traits

1. Trait Introduction: Voice The Six Traits The Six Traits of Writing represent the things that we can observe, assess, revise, and edit in any piece of writing.

2. Trait Introduction: Voice Focus on Voice Voice is personality, energy, attitude, and enthusiasm showing through in the writing. Voice brings writing to life!

3. Trait Introduction: Voice Good voice is easy to recognize. Read the following rough draft. The voice is weak. There is little evidence of personality, energy, attitude, or enthusiasm. It’s hard to tell how the writer feels about the topic. The penguins in the enclosure were interesting. They walked funny, but they swam fast. One of them looked very unusual.

4. Trait Introduction: Voice Good voice is easy to recognize. Now read the final draft, which has been revised to improve voice. The penguins in the new Penguin Park display at the zoo were amazing! They waddled around on the rocks like little people, but once they hit the water, it was a totally different story. They darted and zoomed through the water like birds flying gracefully in the sky. One penguin had a very unusual pattern on his feathers. It almost looked like he had racing stripes! I nicknamed him “Speedy.”

5. Trait Introduction: Voice What makes the voice better in the second sample? The penguins in the new Penguin Park display at the zoo were amazing! They waddled around on the rocks like little people, but once they hit the water, it was a totally different story. They darted and zoomed through the water like birds flying gracefully in the sky. One penguin had a very unusual pattern on his feathers. It almost looked like he had racing stripes! I nicknamed him “Speedy.” The author adds details that will be interesting to the reader.

6. Trait Introduction: Voice What makes the voice better in the second sample? The penguins in the new Penguin Park display at the zoo were amazing! They waddled around on the rocks like little people, but once they hit the water, it was a totally different story. They darted and zoomed through the water like birds flying gracefully in the sky. One penguin had a very unusual pattern on his feathers. It almost looked like he had racing stripes! I nicknamed him “Speedy.” The author carefully selects clear and precise words to carry the message.

7. Trait Introduction: Voice What makes the voice better in the second sample? 13 words The penguins in the new Penguin Park display at the zoo were amazing! They waddled around on the rocks like little people, but once they hit the water, it was a totally different story. They darted and zoomed through the water like birds flying gracefully in the sky. One penguin had a very unusual pattern on his feathers. It almost looked like he had racing stripes! I nicknamed him “Speedy.” 22 words 14 words 10 words 8 words 4 words The author uses a mix of long and short sentences to help the writing flow.

8. Trait Introduction: Voice What makes the voice better in the second sample? The penguins in the new Penguin Park display at the zoo were amazing! They waddled around on the rocks like little people, but once they hit the water, it was a totally different story. They darted and zoomed through the water like birds flying gracefully in the sky. One penguin had a very unusual pattern on his feathers. It almost looked like he had racing stripes! I nicknamed him “Speedy.” Even punctuation can help build voice. Notice how this exclamation mark shows excitement.

9. Trait Introduction: Voice Remember! • Good voice is all about personality, attitude, enthusiasm, and energy in the writing. • Voice can be revealed and supported by including details that add interest. using clear, precise words that show feeling. making the writing flow. using punctuation to show interest or excitement.