Page 18
Quick Guide ■ Traits
Effective writing has the following traits. The first trait—ideas—is the most important. The whole reason to write is to communicate your ideas. All of the other traits work to convey your ideas.
Ideas ■ Effective writing begins with ideas: an interesting topic and a clear focus. Varied details support and develop this focus. The writing achieves its purpose, whether to inform, persuade, narrate, or entertain.