Six+1 Traits of Writing

Ideas and Content- Chris Crutcher is very good at this in Ironman since he picked something important to himself. There are many interesting details that make it enjoyable to read . Crutcher also narrows the topic down and doesn't give just a broad idea. It narrows it down to the topic of family issues and anger management because Luke took Christmas from Bo "In the wee hours of December twenty-fifth, I on my be reading a Popeye comic book while my parents and sister opened their gifts less than four feet on the other side of the wall, and I felt a cold, stainless steel cage close over that heart."(Crutcher,36).

Organization- The book is obviously well organized since it is published. The introduction really captured my attention when I read. The only confusing parts were when Bo was writing to Larry King about something that happened a few pages ago.

Voice- I think that Chris Crutcher shows his own individual voice throught the characters. For example Mr. Nak says, "Cain't think of a reason to put a name on a man's skin color, or a woman's muscles, or"-and he looks directly at Bo-"somebody's sexual preference, or any part of a human being that just is, 'cept for fear. Fear's the only reason. Now I'm gonna make some guesses, an' what I want you all to do is just listen to 'em an' be quiet, an' think about 'em, an' you can tell me I'm full of shit later." (Crutcher,169)

Word Choice- Chris Crutcher I think was aiming for a teen crowd who are not into looking up big exciting words in the dictionary because there aren't many vivid colorful words in Ironman. There is a description of Mr. Nak and Elvis fighting which says, "Mr. Nak kept pushing him to say what was really wrong, and Elvis fought him off pretty godd for a while, but Mr. Nak held on like a wise, gentle pit bul who won't let go until he sinks his teeth into the truth."(Crutcher,172)

Sentence Fluency- Many of his sentences flow smoothly and if you read them aloud it sounded like they were meant to be said. A very superb job on Chris Crutcher's part.

Conventions- I never saw any grammatical errors so A+ on this category.

Presentation- It is very well put together and the journal writings add a key feature that ties into the book. The cover also fits the book very well.