1. Ideas: This refers to the content and focus of the writing. Are the ideas clear, interesting, and well-developed? A strong voice often emerges from ideas that are deeply personal and engaging.
2. Organization: This refers to the structure and flow of the writing. Is there a clear beginning, middle, and end? Are transitions smooth and effective? Good organization allows a writer's voice to be easily understood.
3. Voice: This is the writer's unique personality and perspective shining through the writing. It's the "sound" of the writing, reflecting the writer's attitude, tone, and style. This is the trait most directly influenced by the other five.
4. Word Choice: This focuses on the vocabulary used. Are the words precise, vivid, and engaging? The right words are essential for a clear and impactful voice.
5. Sentence Fluency: This refers to the rhythm and flow of the sentences. Are the sentences varied in length and structure? Do they read smoothly and naturally? Fluency greatly contributes to the overall effect of a writer's voice.
6. Conventions: This refers to the mechanics of writing, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. While not directly a part of voice, adhering to conventions ensures clarity and allows the writer's voice to be understood without distraction.
In short, while "Voice" is one of the six traits, it's not a set of separate characteristics like the others. It's the *result* of skillfully employing the other five. A writer's voice is revealed through their unique ideas, organizational choices, word selection, sentence structure, and attention to conventions.