The writing revolution is here. Inspired by 25 years of research and best practices of thousands of teachers, Traits Writing is a revolutionary new writing program from Ruth Culham that helps every student become a capable, confident writer.

A day-by-day, week-by-week, month-by-month plan for writing instruction based on a spiraled sequence of the Traits of Writing!

Establish a ToneEnergize your “take” on the topic.

Convey the PurposeLet the reader know why you’re writing.

Create a Connection to the AudienceMake the reader feel strongly about your idea.

Take Risks to Create VoiceTry new, original ways to express yourself.

the tone of the piece—your personal stamp, which is achieved through an understanding of purpose and audience

VoiceVoice

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Craft Well-Built SentencesConstruct sentences that convey meaning creatively and clearly.

Vary Sentence TypesInclude simple, compound, and complex sentences.

Capture Smooth and Rhythmic FlowRead your piece aloud to make sure the sentences flow smoothly.

Break the “Rules” to Create FluencyCreate interest with your writing— even if it means breaking a rule!

the way the text looks and sounds as it flows through your piece

Sentence FluencySentence Fluency

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Apply Strong VerbsChoose verbs that add energy and create active voice.

Select Striking Words and PhrasesSearch for the perfect words. Use figurative language, such as alliteration, metaphors, and similes.

Use Specific and Accurate WordsStrive for words that convey your message precisely.

Choose Words That Deepen MeaningDig for the best words to spark your reader’s imagination.

the vocabulary you use to convey meaning and enlighten the reader

Word ChoiceWord Choice

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Check SpellingSpell words correctly—even if you have to look them up.

Punctuate EffectivelyApply punctuation accurately and creatively. Make your piece easy to read.

Capitalize CorrectlyCapitalize the first word of a sentence, proper nouns, titles, abbreviations, and so forth.

Apply Grammar and UsageTake standard English seriously. Break the rules only for stylistic reasons.

the mechanical correctness of your piece, which helps guide the reader through the text

ConventionsConventions

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Find a TopicSelect a fresh, original idea that matters to you.

Focus the TopicHome in on what’s most important.

Develop the TopicInclude original information from your own experience or research.

Use DetailsPresent specific, interesting, accurate details to support your idea.

the content of your piece—its central message and the details that support that message

IdeasIdeas

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Create the LeadGrab your reader’s attention right from the start.

Use Sequence Words and Transition WordsLink ideas logically to guide your reader through the piece.

Structure the BodyOrder details and examples so they flow smoothly.

End With a Sense of ResolutionWrap up your piece and leave the reader thinking about your idea.

the internal structure of your piece—the thread of logic, the pattern of meaning

OrganizationOrganization

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Apply Handwriting SkillsWrite clearly and legibly. Put even spaces between letters and words.

Use Word Processing Effectively Choose font styles, sizes, and colors that make your piece easy to read.

Make Good Use of White SpaceCreate even margins. Put even spaces between lines. Avoid tears, smudges, and cross-outs.

Refine Text FeaturesUse bulleted lists, charts, pictures, and headers when appropriate.

the physical appearance of your piece—the welcome mat that invites the reader in

PresentationPresentation

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