One of the Traits of Effective Writing

Reading

Writing

Oral

Language

Media &Technology Research &

Inquiry

Communication Processes

LearnerCommunicates Effectively

MPS Comprehensive Literacy Framework

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4/21/04

School

Agencies

References

National Council Teachers of Engl ish & In ternational Reading Association. (1996). Standards for the Engl ish language arts.

NCT E Executive Committee and IR Board of Di rectors. Urbana, IL : Author.

National Reading Panel . (2000). Teaching chi ldren to read: an evidence-based assessment o f the scientific research

l iterature on reading and i ts impl ications for reading instruction. National Reading Panel. Washington D.C.: U.S.

Department o f Heal th and Human Services.

Wisconsin Department of Publ ic Instruction. (1998). Planning curriculum in the English language arts. Wisconsin Department

of Publ ic Instruction. Madison, WI: Wisconsin Department of Publ ic Instruction.

MPS Comprehensive Literacy Framework

COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY FRAMEWORK

Area = Writing

Context = School

Audience = Teachers

Components of

Effective Writing

Ideas

Organization

Voice

Word Choice

Sentence Fluency and Variety

Conventions

Presentation

Why do we focus on the

six traits?

*The components of the

MPS Writing Rubric

are the same areas

found in the Six Trait

Writing Model.

Presentation is the finished look of the writing when it is ready to share.

Elements of Presentation

Uniform spacing

Legible and consistent handwriting, or appropriate

use of fonts and sizes if it is word processed

Appealing use of white space

Where necessary, use of bullets, numbers, side

headings, and other markers that help readers access

content

Effective integration of text and illustrations,

photos, charts, graphs, maps, and tables

Skillful and tasteful use of colors

The importance of presentation…

The importance of presentation…

Even if our words are precise, our ideas are

unique, and our sentences are correct, the piece will

not be inviting to read unless the elements of

presentation are exhibited.

Presentation in Environmental Print

Think about examples of text and presentation in your environment.

Which signs and billboards attract your attention?

Which packages catch your eye at the grocery store?

How do businesses get your attention when they advertise in the phone book?

Why do you reach for one CD over another?

What makes one advertisement on the internet more appealing than another?

Presentation

Presentation combines both verbal and visual

elements. It is the way we illustrate our

message on paper.

Presentation is often called the “plus one”

Trait as it is not always included as one of

the traits or qualities of effective writing.

Presentation

However, all published

writers are aware of the

importance of presentation,

particularly technical

writers who must include

graphs, maps, symbols, and

visual instructions along

with their text.

In informal

writing,

presentation is

not imperative.

Lessons for the Trait of Presentation

Design writing tasks that mirror real life. Involve students in creating classroom newspapers, pamphlets, websites, books of their own, brochures, newsletters, and flyers.

Have students create works for a variety of audiences. Ask them to explain how the presentation changes depending on the audience.

Ask students to present their work, especially research projects. Include lessons in PowerPoint and other presentation tools to allow them to share their ideas with others.

These suggestions use higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy; they are also meaningful and engaging.

Presentation in Literature

Train of States -By: Peter Sis

Presentation in Literature

My Painted

House,

My Friendly

Chicken and Me-By: Maya Angelou

The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups

and The Secret Knowledge of

Grown-Ups: The Second File

-By: David Wisniewski

Presentation in Literature

And Then It

Rained--; And

Then the Sun

Came Out

-By: Crescent

Dragonwagon

Presentation in Literature

18

Let’s take a look at student writing.

Select a student writing sample.

Select an appropriate presentation rubric.

Assess the writing.

Provide descriptive feedback.

What You Can Do Now

Verbalize the effectiveness of advertisements in newspapers and magazines. Point out specific elements that make the ad “work”.

Ask students to bring in examples of good presentation. Create a wall of honor for presentation.

Provide students with models of strong and weak presentation, along with the same writing. Ask them which one they’d rather read—and why.

Presentation

When presentation is done

well, all of the traits are pulled

together.

The clearer the target,

the better the results.

Presentation

Our Goal:

All students have the knowledge and skills needed to hit the target!

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS