Transcript Elements of Writing & 6 Traits

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Understand the different types of writing
genres (category composition) and their
elements
Understand the six traits of quality writing
Understand the rubric used for scoring
student writing
Practice scoring student work
Write your own essay incorporating six traits
of writing
What does the writing
process look like?
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Reading examples of
good writing
Practicing the
different traits
Applying practice to
your own essays
Students evaluating
their own writing
The Writing Process
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Prewriting (Planning)
Writing (First Draft)
Revising (Improving your writing)
Editing (Correcting for style and
accuracy)
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Publishing (Sharing)
What are the different types of
writing genres (category
compositions)?
What are the different types of
writing genres (category
compositions)?
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Persuasive
Expository/Informative
Narrative/Descriptive
Professional/Business
What is Descriptive Writing:
Examples:
Descriptive Writing:
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portrays a character, object, or scene
through sensory details/imagery
(precise nouns, verbs, adverbs, and
adjectives that relate how things look,
sound, feel, taste, smell).
Examples: travel brochures, short
stories, novels, and poems
Key Elements of Descriptive
Writing:
Key Elements of Descriptive
Writing:
Creates a picture for the reader.
 Sensory details ( look, smell, taste,
sound and feel)
 Vivid language
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What is Personal/Narrative
Writing:
Examples:
Personal/Narrative Writing:
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relates a story or a personal essay. It sets
up a story, builds to a high point, and
winds down during the resolution.
Narrative writing usually involves some
problem to be solved or a challenge to
overcome. Narrative writing is usually very
personal and contains some type of
reflection on life.
Examples: novels, short stories, plays,
diaries, and biographies
Key Elements of Narrative
Writing:
Key Elements of Narrative
Writing:
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Hook
Strong beginning, middle & end
Showing, not telling (description)
Sensory details (smell, taste, look, feel & sound)
Lots of voice (humor & figurative language)
Dialogue (maybe)
Plot
Characterization
Setting
Read “The Choice”
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Using a colored pencil underline the descriptive
elements found in “The Choice”.
Using a different colored pencil underline and
label the narrative elements found in the “The
Choice”.
What are the 6 traits?
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Ideas
Organization
Voice
Word Choice
Sentence Fluency
Conventions
Ideas are the heart of any piece of writing…
• A solid, main idea that’s clear and identifiable (In
formal pieces of writing this would be your thesis.)
• Interesting, relevant, accurate details and support
that expand or clarify a main idea and bring it to life.
• Clarify so that the message makes sense and can be
readily understand.
• Concise presentation that shows respect for a
reader’s busy schedule.
Focus on IDEAS: “The Choice”
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In blue/green highlight the idea and the
specific/concrete details that support the idea.
Does the essay show complexity and freshness of
thought?
Organization is the internal structure…
• It’s not just paragraphs, but what’s in them!
• Is there a beginning, middle, and end?
• Does it make sense?
• Is there a good sense of sequence?
• Is the writing easy to follow? A well-laid-out road map?
• Does the lead ‘hook’ the reader?
• Are transitions smooth and appropriate?
• Is the conclusion satisfying?
Focus on ORGANIZATION: “The
Choice”
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In orange highlight the introduction. Is it
engaging? Why or Why not?
Does the essay progress in logical order? What
logical order is used?
In orange highlight the transitions. Are they
effective?
Label the paragraphs to show the beginning,
middle and end.
Is there a strong closure? What is it?
isualize
wn the topic
ndividuality
are
xtension of you
Voice is personality… and confidence
• Individuality and perspective
• Enthusiasm and expressiveness
• Is the author knowledgeable about the topic?
• Does the piece hold the reader’s attention?
• Is there real passion? Does the writing
evoke an emotional response?
• Does the text just repeat common knowledge?
• Is the voice appropriate for the audience and
purpose?
Focus on VOICE: “The Choice”
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In yellow highlight sentences that shows the
writer’s enthusiasm for the topic.
In yellow highlight sentences that shows the
writer’s humor.
In yellow highlight sentences that shows the
writer’s personality (individual perspective).
Sounds
scrumptious!
‘A breath of
fresh air…’
How exquisite!
Listen to the
serene stillness...
Word choice is clear, precise and colorful…
• Find the word that is ‘just right’
• Stretch to use new, interesting words
• Think verbs, verbs, verbs (use high energy words)
• Avoid ‘Creeping Thesaurus-itis’
• Eliminate tired, trite words – good, very, things, etc.
• Cut the fat… only use words that carry their own
weight
Focus on WORD CHOICE: “The
Choice”
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In pink highlight action/strong verbs (example:
buzzed, bounced and splashed.
In pink highlight imagery (smell, feel, sound, taste
and look).
In pink highlight figurative language (simile,
metaphor, allusion, onomatopoeia and alliteration)
The rhythm and flow of the sentences…
• Sounds soothing to the ear…
• A variety of sentence length and structure
• Sentences make sense
• Smooth transitions support fluency
• Punctuate. Periods are a good thing!
Focus on SENTENCE FLUENCY:
“The Choice”
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Count how many words are in the first five
sentences in each paragraph. Place the number of
words above the sentence.
Circle the first word of the five sentences.
Editing & revising for conventions…
• Use of proper format – MLA
(indentation, margins, spacing, etc.)
• Correct use of capitalization,
punctuation and spelling
• Maintain verb tense and subject
verb agreement throughout
composition
• Use adverbs, appositives, clauses
and phrases correctly
• Use vocabulary correctly
Focus on CONVENTIONS: “The
Choice”
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Read the paper backwards, and circle in red pen
any grammar, spelling or punctuation errors.
Read “Pushing Yourself”
and Score