In the last newsletter we shared a focus on WORD CHOICE, and this time we are delving into the SENTENCE FLUENCY trait as we continue to explore what good writing looks like.
So what do we mean by SENTENCE FLUENCY? It is the way words and phrases flow through the writing piece. We ‘read’ for it with the ear as much as the eye.
The four key qualities of the SENTENCE FLUENCY trait are:
Crafting well-built sentences- The writer carefully and creatively constructs sentences for maximum impact. Transition words such as but, and, and so are used successfully to join sentences and sentence parts.
Varying sentence types- The writer uses various types of sentences (simple, compound, and/or complex) to enhance the central theme or storyline. The piece is made up of an effective mix of long, complex sentences and short, simple ones
Capturing a smooth and rhythmic flow- The writer thinks about how the sentences sound. Phrasing that is almost musical and if the piece were read aloud, it would be easy on the ear.
Breaking the “rules” to create fluency- The writer diverges from standard English to create interest and impact. For example, they may use a sentence fragment, such as “All alone in the forest,” or a single word, such as “Bam!” to accent a particular moment or action.
Here is a photo of some students in Year Two checking their own writing for sentence fluency:
References: The 6+1 Traits of Writing by Ruth Culham
