The Six Traits

1. Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice The Six Traits The Six Traits of Writing help us describe and improve our writing.

2. Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice Focus on Word Choice Good word choice means using specific nouns, strong verbs, and excellent describing words.

3. Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice Good word choice is easy to recognize. Read the following story. Are the nouns specific? Are the verbs strong? Are the describing words excellent? The kid came into the place. He got some stuff at the counter. Then he sat down and watched a show.

4. Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice Good word choice is easy to recognize. Now read the final draft. Notice the difference good word choice makes! The small blonde boy hurried into the theater. He quickly bought some fresh popcorn and a cold soda at the snack bar. Then he slumped into a seat and watched a hilarious movie.

5. Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice What makes the word choice betterin the second sample? The small blonde boy hurried into the theater. He quickly bought some fresh popcorn and a cold soda at the snack bar. Then he slumped into a seat and watched a hilarious movie. Nouns are words that name people, places, and things. The writer uses nouns that are very specific.

6. Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice What makes the word choice betterin the second sample? The small blonde boy hurried into the theater. He quickly bought some fresh popcorn and a cold soda at the snack bar. Then he slumped into a seat and watched a hilarious movie. Verbs are action words. The writer uses verbs to show the boy’s actions.

7. Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice What makes the word choice betterin the second sample? The small blonde boy hurried into the theater. He quickly bought some fresh popcorn and a cold soda at the snack bar. Then he slumped into a seat and watched a hilarious movie. Adjectives are words that describe people, places, and things. The writer uses good adjectives to describe the boy, the snacks, and the movie.

8. Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice What makes the word choice betterin the second sample? The small blonde boy hurried into the theater. He quickly bought some fresh popcorn and a cold soda at the snack bar. Then he slumped into a seat and watched a hilarious movie. Adverbs describe how an action is done. The writer uses a good adverb to describe how the boy bought his snacks.

9. Writing Trait Introduction: Word Choice Remember! • Good word choice means using specific nouns. • Good word choice means using strong verbs. • Good word choice means using excellent describing words, such as adjectives and adverbs.