Enhance Writing Fluency With These 6 Traits

What are the six traits of good writing?

Writing forms an important part of education. It is the most dominant and essential feature of almost all assignments, presentations and examinations. However, not all students are skilled writers. Some excel and submit high quality writing with very little effort, while others struggle with the process. These six traits of good writing will help students clearly understand what is expected in the writing process:

1. Ideas

 This forms the heart of the write-up. The content, themes and details grow from the ideas planted by the student. The ideas should be such that it allows for expansion and exploration within the confines of the student’s ability. The student first needs to have a clear idea of what they want their writing to achieve.

2. Organization

The internal format of the content requires careful planning. The primary aim of this trait is to keep the reader engaged and interested in the content. To achieve this purpose, students are taught to make use of captivating introductions, hooks, transitions and powerful conclusions. Organized writing leads to understanding and influence.

3. Voice

 The style or tone of the writing is unique to each individual. It has the power to connect the reader to the topic. The use of a strong voice can help evoke responses, reactions and feelings from the reader. It is important for students to explore their writing voice.

4. Word Choice

 Using the right words enhances the voice of the writing. Word choice is the use of the correct words such as, verbs, adjectives or nouns. Word choice can give life to the content, while painting an accurate picture for the reader.

5. Sentence Fluency

 Sentence fluency sets the rhythm of the content and is essential for bringing about that extra bit of “ effect” to the writing. It helps make the content clear to the reader, which helps convey the accurate message.

6. Mechanics

 The term mechanical correctness encompasses the accuracy in spelling, use of language and grammar, punctuations and capitalizations. Having fewer errors in writing allows the message to be clear and easy to understand.

Presentation

In addition to the 6 primary traits of good writing, is the art of presentation. It refers to the visual format of the content. Whether handwritten or typed, the presentation of the content is equally important. Students are instructed to pay attention to the spacing, legibility,and font choices within their writing. All of these aspects connect the reader to the writing.

Teachers are able to post these writing strategies throughout the classroom to encourage students to think of these traits every time they write. Gradually, students are then given opportunities for individual practice and encouraged to apply these strategies and achieve high quality writing every time.

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