6 Traits of Writing
Your guide to clear, effective writing!
Ideas
- Crystal clear--your reader will not be bored.
- Details are intriguing--not stuff everyone already knows.
- Important details are used to support or explain main ideas.
Organization
- Reading the piece is so easy to follow, it's like reading a road map.
- Everything connects, nothing is out of place.
- Main ideas stand out.
- Strong intro. and conclusion.
Voice
- Enthusiasm for the topic is evident.
- Writing is as unique and individual as the writer himself.
- The paper begs to be read aloud--the reader will want to share it.
Word Choice
- Every single word counts, if it didn't work, you cut it.
- Verbs are strong, adjectives are selected carefully.
- Accurate, no misuse or heavy reliance on a thesaurus.
- No cliches!
Sentence Fluency
- Almost every sentence begins differently.
- Informational writing gets right to the point.
- Sentences are different lengths and types.
Conventions
- Only the pickiest editor could spot an error.
- The layout is eye-catching, or perfectly meets expectations.
- Polished and ready to publish.