Our writing program relies heavily on trait writing and integrated use of rubrics. Students will be writing across all subjects including math.
Trait Writing . . .
There are 7 traits integrated into our trait writing program:
Sentence Fluency: (The flow of words, sentences, and paragraphs in a writing piece)
Ideas: (The main message of the piece. The support that enriches and develops the topic)
Organization: (The structure and logical pattern of the writing piece)
Word Choice: (The use of rich, colorful, and precise language that moves and enlightens the reader)
Voice: (The unique perspective and style of the author. The author's feelings and convictions are evident throughout the writing piece)
Conventions: (The mechanical correctness of the writing piece)
Presentation: (The form and layout of the writing piece. How pleasing the paper is to the eye)
Sentence Fluency: (The flow of words, sentences, and paragraphs in a writing piece)
- Sentence Variety: The writer uses a variety of purposeful sentences types (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex) throughout the paper.
- Sentence Beginnings: The writer varies his/her sentence beginnings mindfully to enhance the written piece.
- Transitions: Transitions are creatively used to enhance and connect the flow of the paper. Transitions should be embedded throughout paragraphs and topic sentences.
- Sentence Structure: The sentence structure or how sentences are created should enhance the pace of the written piece and move the reader fluidly along from beginning to end.
- Flow of Paper: The writing piece can be easily read and understood aloud. Sentence structure invites expressive reading and cadence.
Ideas: (The main message of the piece. The support that enriches and develops the topic)
- Narrowed Topic: The topic of the writing piece should be narrowed and very specific rather than broad and general.
- Support (Ideas): The support of the topic should be strong while hitting on key issues of the topic thus leaving the reader without any questions.
- Details: The details that back up the support or ideas should be specific, telling, and go beyond the obvious bringing in a new unique perspective.
- Personal Experience & Knowledge: The author's personal knowledge/experience offers a new perspective that is solely unique to the author.
- Reader's Questions: All of the reader's questions should be anticipated and answered throughout the writing piece.
Organization: (The structure and logical pattern of the writing piece)
- Hook: Strategies are used to create an unpredictable hook to invite the reader to the rest of the written piece.
- Thesis: An effective thesis should be written that introduces the claim of the piece to the reader.
- Plan: A stand alone or integrated plan cues the reader as to the direction of the claim and its support.
- Conclusion: The author should use a conclusion that is appropriate to the claim and purpose that gives the reader a sense of closure.
- Transitions between Paragraphs: Embedded transitions in the beginning of the paragraph help link what has been said to what is about to be written in a manner that aids in the flow of the paper.
- Pace: The pace or speed of the writing piece is well controlled. The author knows when to slow down to elaborate or speed up to move things along.
Word Choice: (The use of rich, colorful, and precise language that moves and enlightens the reader)
- Imagery: The author uses striking vocabulary, phrasing, and sensory detail that "show" and create memorable mental images that leave a lasting impression throughout the entire written piece.
- Words: Words and phrases are used that are unique, natural, and effective through out the entire paper while appropriate to the content.
- Parts of Speech: The author uses lively verbs that energize, precise nouns, adjectives, and adverbs that are carefully crafted to add depth, color, and specificity. This is seen throughout the entire piece.
Voice: (The unique perspective and style of the author. The author's feelings and convictions are evident throughout the writing piece)
- Tone: The tone or overall feeling of the writing piece matches its purpose and is consistent throughout the paper. Precise vocabulary and phrasing bring the tone to life.
- Personality: The reader can infer the writer's personality through personal insights, anecdotes, opinions, word choice, and experiences original to the author.
- Commitment: Commitment is balanced; the author does not over or under commit to the topic and claim. The reader can feel the passion and energy the writer has with regards to the topic thus leaving the reader wanting to know more about the topic.
Conventions: (The mechanical correctness of the writing piece)
- Spelling: Spelling is correct on both common and difficult words making the piece completely readable and understandable.
- Punctuation: Punctuation is correct, creative, and guides the reader through the entire writing piece.
- Capitalization: Capitalization is thoroughly understood and is consistently correct.
- Grammar: Grammar usage is correct and contributes to the clarity and style of the paper. The paper is easy to read and understand.
- Paragraphing: Indentation is logical within and between sections of a piece adding to the sequencing and cohesion of the content.
Presentation: (The form and layout of the writing piece. How pleasing the paper is to the eye)
- Handwriting: Writing is pleasing to the eye while conveying the author's pride and effort.
- Spacing: Spacing is optimally balanced and consistent throughout the entire paper making it unnoticeable.
- Condition: Paper is pristine and in mint condition.
Trait Writing Rubrics . . .
Trait writing rubrics are incorporated on a daily basis. Students will be referring to rubrics while scoring exemplars, peer critiquing, and throughout the entire writing process.