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6+1 Traits of Writing

Introduction

The 6+1 Trait Writing framework is a powerful way to learn and use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing as well as create a common vision of what good writing looks like. Teachers and students can use the 6+1 Writing Trait model to pinpoint areas of strength and weaknesses as they continue to focus on improved writing. (NWREL, 2008)

In the early 1980’s, teachers in various school districts across the country thought there must me a more effective way to gather student information about their writing besides the old single score assessment or standardized tests. Teachers wanted a writing tool that would give them accurate, reliable feedback of their students’ writing to better help them pinpoint the instruction they need to improve their writing skills. After a long search, they were unable to find the answer, so they decided to collaborate and devise a system of their own. The objective was to create an analytic scoring system that was valid and honest yet practical.

This group of teachers evaluated thousands of student writing samples at various grade levels. They identified important characteristics of good writing, and those qualities became the framework for the 6-trait writing model. Over time, they developed a seventh trait now referred to as the +1 trait. The writing model uses a common language to define what “good” writing looks like by implementing the scoring system.

Not all teachers use the 6+1 Trait model at the same time. Some opt to use four traits, while some teachers use more; however, six or seven show up in some form at one time or another. The traits are a foundation for NWREL’s assessment model. It is also the foundation for the criteria for what the qualities of good writing are at varying levels of achievement.

The 6+1 Trait Writing Model is now used in almost every state in the U.S. as well as America Samoa, Amsterdam, France, Great Britain, South America, Saudia Arabia, China, Venezuela, Australia, Turkey, Bahrain, and other countries in the Middle East. It is the model or the source of the model used to score student papers in numerous state assessments and district assessments in virtually every state. This writing model can be used in the primary grades all the way through college. It has also been embraced by teachers of mathematics, science, social studies, foreign language, art, and music. Basically this is a good system for anyone whom deems writing as an important part of their instruction. (NWREL, 2008)