The Six Traits of Writing are rooted in more than 50 years of research. This research reveals that all “good” writing has six key ingredients—ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.

The Six Traits of writing are Voice, Ideas, Presentation, Conventions, Organization, Word Choice, and Sentence Fluency. It creates a common vocabulary and guidelines for teachers to use with students so that they become familiar with the terms used in writing. It develops consistency from grade level to grade level.

Not everyone uses the 6+1 traits: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation. Some use four traits; some use more. However, these same six or seven characteristics show up on everyone's list in one form or another.

This writing rubric is organized using the 6 traits (content, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions) with student-friendly language. Students can see expectations for above-, on-, and below grade level work.