|
|
Six Traits +1 Materials (PDF) Six Traits Introduction |
What are the Six Traits + 1?
Ideas:
The ideas are the heart of the message, the content of the piece, the main theme, together with the details that enrich and develop that theme.
Organization:
Organization is the internal structure of a piece of writing, the thread
of central meaning, the logical and sometimes intriguing pattern of
the ideas.
Voice:
The voice is the heart and soul, the magic, the will, along with the
feeling and conviction of the individual writer coming out through the
words.
Word Choice:
Word choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves
and enlightens the reader.
Fluency:
Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of
work patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear - not just
to the eye.
Convention:
Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the piece - spelling,
grammar and usage, paragraphing, use of capitals, and punctuation.
+1 Presentation:
Presentation zeros in on the form and layout of the text and its readability: the piece should be pleasing to the eye.
+1 Presentation Rubric
[5] The form, placement, and presentation of the text, graphic and other images enhances the reader's ability to understand and connect with the message:
- The text is easy to read whether typed or handwritten.
- The font, size and style are appropriate and support the message.
- The format suits the purpose, is appealing and invites the reader into the text.
- Fonts are limited to two typefaces on a page.
- Spacing supports readability.
- The text is not crowded - white space enhances readability.
- The use of a title, sub headings, page numbers, bullets and other formatting allows the reader to access information easily and quickly. The information is clear to the reader.
- There is a clear purpose for combining text and graphics (to include charts, graphs, tables). The alignment between text and visuals is clearly represented.
- Presentation is creative and original in design.
[3] The message is understood by the reader:
- The text is readable. Discrepancies in form and spacing make some parts easier to read than others.
- The font, size and style are inconsistent.
- Spacing is uniform although some variation in spacing may make text easier to read.
- Some text tends to be crowded with little attention to the use of white space.
- The use of a title, sub headings, page numbers, bullets and other formatting may be evident but is not used to the fullest potential.
- There is an attempt made to combine text and graphics although connections are not always clear.
[1] The message is unclear because of problems relating to presentation:
- The text is difficult to read and understand.
- The use of multiple fonts, sizes and styles has created a ransom note effect.
- Spacing is random and confusing.
- There is little or no white space - very text intensive.
- There is a lack of formatting which leaves the reader wondering how ideas connect.
- The visuals do not support text. They are misleading, overdone, or do not connect to the reader's message.
Downloading Six Traits + 1 Materials
How do I access the Six Traits + 1 materials?
Materials can be downloaded from this site. Many of the materials will be in PDF form that requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. To download a lesson, just click a specific title. If you already have Acrobat 3.0 installed (and we do mean 3.0), the lesson will appear in your browser window. You can print it from there, or click "File," then "Save" to save it to your hard drive. Remember where you save it (you might want to write it down). To view a course handout after it is safely stashed on your hard drive, just double-click the filename (if you have the Acrobat viewer installed, of course).
Just what is PDF, and why would you want your documents in it?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format, and you can read PDF files in Adobe Acrobat no matter what kind of computer you are using. They are also compressed, or 'squeezed' files so they do not take forever to download! And it means that once you download the free Acrobat viewer, you can not only print the course handout quickly and easily, but also view it as it was meant to be seen, fonts, graphics, and all.
What if I do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader?
If you do not have Acrobat 3.0 installed, click the title you want anyway. Your browser should give you some excellent instructions on how to get Acrobat 3.0 from Adobe's Web site. You can also click on the Adobe Web site link, then follow Adobe's instructions to download the program and to set it up. Once you have the viewer, you are ready to download any of our PDF materials.
Language Arts | Teaching and Learning | MMSD
Updated: January 2, 2002
Editor & Publisher: Jeff Sutherland, jsutherland@madison.k12.wi.us
Language Arts Coordinator: Mary Watson-Peterson, mwatsonpeter@madison.k12.wi.us
webmaster: webmaster@madison.k12.wi.us