The Little Chute Area School District has implemented the Six Traits of Writing model in 2005. The six traits include; organization, fluency, word choice, conventions, ideas and voice.

The Write-Track web-based software was added in 2006-2007 to collect formative and summative assessment data. Teacher's access instant writing scores for each student in their classroom at grades 3-8 and 10.

Finally, each parent receives a letter with On-Demand achievement information for each trait and a holistic score, two times per year.

Six Traits of Writing Definitions

Ideas: Ideas are the heart of the message, the main theme. Together with the details, the ideas 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: Voice is the heart and soul, the magic, the wit, 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.

Sentence Fluency: Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear--not just to the eye.

Conventions: Conventions are the mechanical correctness of the piece-- spelling, grammar and usage, paragraphing, use of capitals and punctuation.

Little Chute Area School District
Write Track: On-Demand Genre Focus

Our Definitions:

Descriptive Writing
The purpose of descriptive writing is to describe a person, place or event so that the topic can be clearly seen in the reader's mind. The writer uses vivid details that paint a picture for the reader.

Informative Writing
Informative writing is a form of expository writing that has a primary purpose of providing information in a clear, concise, manner. Reminder: An expository piece of writing explains, interprets, or describes something based upon background experiences or information provided in the prompt. The writer does NOT include personal reactions or feelings when describing or presenting information.

Persuasive Writing
The primary purpose of persuasive writing is to give an opinion and to try to influence the reader's way of thinking with supportive evidence.

Personal Narrative
The primary purpose of narrative writing is to describe an experience, event, or sequence of events in the form of a story.