The 6, 5, 4 of Writing

1. The 6, 5, 4 of Writing

2. 6 Writing Traits: • Organization: • Follows logical/chronological order • Follows thesis • Ideas: • Original of message/topic • Includes sufficient details • Word Choice: • Variety and accurate use of vocabulary • Avoids slang • Use thesaurus to help

3. 6 Writing Traits cont. • Voice: • Sounds like you, not an essay-robot • Desired emotional response from reader • Sentence Fluency: • Avoids fragments/run-ons • Variety in sentence structure • Conventions: • Proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation • Follows any format requirements (e.g. APA)

4. 5-Paragraph Essay Format • Introduction: • Hook: captures audience’s attention; question, quote, statement • Area of Focus: background on topic (includes title, author, and summary of plot) • Thesis: one-sentence list of body paragraphs, in order of discussion

5. 5-Paragrpah Essays cont. • Body: • Topic Sentence: summarizes main idea of entire paragraph • Support, evidence, details, quotes, research, etc. • Clincher/Transition to new topic • 5-9 sentences per paragraph

6. 5-Paragrpah Essays cont. • Conclusion: • Restate Thesis: same idea, new phrasing • Summarize: one sentence summary of each body paragraph • Closing Thought: final impression you want to make on reader; quote, statement, call to action

7. 4 Types of Writing • Expository • Provides information on a subject • Persuasive • Convinces someone to adopt your point of view • Narrative • Tells a story; can be fiction or nonfiction • Descriptive • Provides details through sensory imagery

8. Sample thesis sentences • I met Shelley senior year; we had two classes together, but it took a guy named Jackie to bring us closer. • Babz and I met freshman year of college, became roommates sophomore year, and were best friends by junior year. • Liz and I became close after joining choir, we bonded even more through Bible study, but she became my best friend when my boyfriend and I were having problems.