According to Edina School’s OWL (online writing lab), the following are the six main traits of writing. I thought that the questions following each trait could be useful to all writers.
1. Idea and Content – This includes the purpose for writing. Every paper should convey a message and be easy to follow. Ask these questions:
- What is my message and is it focused and clear?
- Did I include important details relevant to my topic?
- Did the reader learn something new?
- Is my paper interesting and easy to understand?
2. Organization – It is essential to keep writing organized so that readers can move through the piece in a meaningful way. Organization includes using proper headings and transitions and making sure the piece is written in a logical order. Ask these questions:
- Does my beginning hook my reader?
- Is my paper easy to follow? Did I choose the best way to organize my story?
- Do my ideas link to a main message?
- Do I have a strong conclusion that wraps up the story?
3. Voice – Voice is the personal flare put in a piece of writing by the author. It stylizes the piece and helps keep readers interested. Different genres and purposes for writing requires different voices (e.g. formal vs. informal). Ask these questions:
- Can you tell I am enthusiastic about my topic?
- Does this writing sound like me?
- How do I want my readers to feel?
- Will my story hold readers’ attention? Will they want to hear more?
4. Sentence Fluency – It is important that writer’s words flow and are easy to read allowed. Sentence structure should vary so that the piece does not sound monotone or robotic. Ask these questions:
- Is my story easy to read?
- Do my sentences begin in different ways?
- Did I use some long and some short sentences?
- Does my paper sound smooth as I read it aloud?
5. Word Choice – Use specific words to create images, capture attention of readers and make writing memorable. Ask these questions:
- Have I used some strong verbs or colorful phrases that grab my reader?
- Have I chosen the most precise word?
- Have I used any unique words?
- Did I repeat common words too many times?
6. Conventions – After writing the first draft of a paper, edit it and make sure that all of the conventions of writing are used properly. These include punctuation, spelling, capitalization, grammar and paragraphing. Ask these questions:
- Did I leave spaces between words and sentences?
- Did I use a title?
- Did I use correct punctuation?
- Did I use capital letters in the right places?
- Have I proofread for correct spelling and grammar?
