Writers BlocksThe Six Building Blocks of Good WritingBy Theresa HeathNext

Objectivesidentify the characteristics and definitions of the six building blocks of writing;

evaluate samples of writing for word choice;

choose words and phrases that improve writing.Learners will be able to Next

The Building Blocks

IdeasOrganizationSentence FluencyWord ChoiceVoiceMechanicsGo To Lesson

IdeasHeart of the messageMain theme with details that enrich and develop themeWriting inspired by knowledge or experience

Building Blocks

OrganizationInternal structureThread of central meaningLogical and sometimes intriguing pattern of ideasInviting introduction and satisfying conclusionTransitions, sequencing, and ideal pacingBuildingBlocks

Sentence FluencyRhythm and flow of languageSound of word patternsWay in which the writing plays to the ear, not just the eyesVaried sentence beginningsVaried length and structureBuildingBlocks

Word ChoiceUse of rich, colorful, precise language that moves, enlightens readerSpecific and accurateWords and phrases create pictures and linger in readers mindLively verbs, precise nouns and modifiersBuildingBlocks

VoiceUnique perspective of the writer

Tone and voice give flavor to the message

Reader feels a strong interaction with writerBuildingBlocks

MechanicsMechanical correctness of the pieceSpellingGrammar and usagePunctuation and capitalizationParagraphing Building Blocks

Writing SamplesSample #1

Sample #2#1#2

Sample #1Last year we went on a vacation and we had a wonderful time. The weather was sunny and warm and there was lots to do so we were never bored.My parents visited friends and took pictures for their friends back home. My brother and I swam and also hiked in the woods. When we got tired of that, we just ate and had a wonderful time. It was exciting and fun to be together as a family and and to do things together. I love my family and this is a time that I will remember for a long time. I hope we will go back again next year for more fun and an even better time than we had this year. Back tosample link

Sample #2An excerpt from a revision of sample #1

Last summer, my family and I went on a vacation to see the California Redwoods. Most of the time was great, though not everything turned out the way we expected. We spend most of our time basking in the sun and hiking. We basked so much I got a sunburn from head to to, and had to spend the next several days peeling my outer layer of skin.One day we hiked the sunrise Trial. The cool morning air was easy to hike in so we ended up doing the whole thing! The giant ferns were like something out of a prehistoric movie. The trees were so huge we could not see the tops... Back tosample linkTo lesson

Did you notice..in sample #1, the weak, soft verbs phrases such as it was exciting and fun?the vague phrases such as the weather was warm and sunny? In sample 2, these are revised to be much more specific, with phrases such as the trees were so huge we could not see the tops, and ..I had to spend the next several days peeling my outer layer of skin

Lesson to improve word choiceOne of the building blocks of good writing is word choice; writers can improve the quality of their writing by learning to choose the best possible word that has the most impact

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Word Choice ExamplesPoor word choice:Our school had a bad year.Better word choice:A fire, a detonated bomb, gang fights and a kidnapping marred our school year.

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Another exampleBoring word choice:Tonia was sick and sore.Better word choiceWith the rash on her arms and her 102 degree temperature, Tonia hobbled around as if she had arthritis.Next

Its Your TurnIt was a windy day.The old house was abandoned.Our teacher was tired.Read the following sentences and choose the words or phrase that make the sentences weak. Next

Did you pickwas windy?old house, was abandoned?was tired?

Youre correct! These are called weak or soft verbs, and need to be replaced with active, concrete verbs. Next

Better sentencesA) The wind tore through my sweater and chilled me to the bone. B) The shingles hung on the edge of the roof, the screen door banged in the wind, and the grass grew wildly around the abandoned house.C) Mrs. Grace, our teacher, slumped at her desk, held her head in her hands, and slowly disappeared under the sea of papers.

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References Good writers carefully choose words and phrases that will evoke an emotion or leave an image with the reader. Good writing is also a skill that can be developed with effort, patience, and a working knowledge of the foundational blocks.Return to beginning

References

Spandel, V. Creating writers through 6-trait writing assessment and instruction. 3rd ed. Addison,Wesley,Longman. New York: 2001 Culham, R. Writing assessment for beginning writers. Northwest Regional Education Laboratory. Portland: 2001