Writing Lesson & Overview

The Writing Process

Prewriting /Brainstorming Drafting Revising and Editing

REMEMBER: The AIMS writing exam is not a timed test, so you should have ample time to go through each step carefully.

Pre-Writing This does not just mean drawing some circles

and writing down two words. Be sure to follow all steps before writing to help make your life easier later.

The process a writer goes through before he/she begins drafting a composition.› Understanding the Task (Attack the Prompt)› Brainstorming (webs, free-writing, etc.)› Choosing a Topic› Organizing Ideas

Pre-Writing First Attack the Prompt – underline format, circle

the verbs, draw arrows, etc. You must understand what the prompt is asking

you before you start the rest. The prompt may have multiple parts, be sure you

address all of them in your pre-writing.

Pre-WritingAttack the Prompt

Underline the type of writing: in what format are you being asked to write? › Is it a letter, an essay, an editorial?

Circle the verbs: What are you writing?› Is the prompt asking you to convince, explain, describe,

inform? Connect verbs with specifics: What are the

verbs asking you to write about? › Be sure you understand exactly what the prompt is asking

you to do and if there are multiple parts of the prompt. Brainstorm: Web, freewrite, list, do

something!!!!› This will help you decide what ideas are valuable and to

organize your thoughts.

Pre-WritingAttack the Prompt

PRACTICE In an essay, describe a person from history

you would most like to meet, and explain why you would like to meet him/her. Be specific in your explanation.

Pre-Writing I know you hate this part…I get it…but investing

some time here will make the writing easier for you later.

The process a writer goes through before he/she begins drafting a composition.

Attack the Prompt and then…› Free-write› Web› List› Outline› Any other ideas?

Pre-writing Practice Choose two different pre-writing

strategies for the following prompt. You will have 5 minutes for each.

PRACTICE:› In an essay, describe a person from history

you would most like to meet, and explain why you would like to meet him/her. Be specific in your explanation.

Choosing a Topic Narrowing it down

› Choose a topic that: You care about You can cover completely within the given

space limit (2 pages) Clearly related to the prompt Appropriate for the audience and

purpose/nature of the assignment

Choosing a Topic (con’t) Establish a thesis Choose a few important points

› What will best support your thesis?› What do your readers really need/want to

know about the topic?› Stay focused on what the prompt asked for –

what points are most effective?› Use brainstorming/freewriting as support in

choosing the best points

Choosing a Topic (con’t) Keep your subject, audience, purpose,

and form in mind when choosing supporting details.› Ex. You are writing a personal narrative about

learning to play the guitar. Which ONE of the following details would be most appropriate to include in the story? Where and when the guitar was invented A description of the parts of a guitar Information about the person who taught you to play

the guitar A list of guitar brand names

Supporting Details Good supporting details are:

› Relevant to the topic› Precise and significant› Appropriate for the audience› Might include:

Anecdotes, specific examples, reasons, facts/statistics, definitions, events, descriptions, actions, etc.

Organizing Ideas

Moving from a page full of unorganized ideas to an

organized plan for a composition is one of the most important steps in the writing process.

Writing a Thesis Your thesis MUST:

› ANSWER the topic from your attack the prompt

› Use key words from the prompt› Be one sentence and no longer› MAY NOT BE THREE PRONG› Be at the end of your introduction› Be specific and simple› Be debatable (in persuasive)

Examples:Thesis Writing

Prompt: Describe a time in your life that you experienced an injustice.› Ex. A specific injustice that I’ve experienced and never

forgotten occurred when a friend I trusted betrayed me. › Ex. An injustice that I’ve experienced personally has been the

way that my parents have constantly put me in the middle of their disputes.

› Ex. When I was in the first grade, I suffered a horrible injustice: my opportunity to be line leader was unfairly taken away from me.

› Ex. Though I’ve experienced many injustices, the most painful one occurred when I was falsely accused by my parents and punished for something that I never did. Check each thesis statement for the rules from the previous slide. Are these

considered acceptable thesis statements? Why? Explain in the space provided on your notes.

Four Modes of Writing Narrative Descriptive/Expository Persuasive Letters

Narrative Writing Tells a story using details Plot, character(s), setting, point of

view, story development Has a plot with a climax and resolution

› Beginning› Middle› End

Examples:Narrative Prompts

Describe a time in your life that you experienced an injustice.

Write about a time when you and a person or pet spent an enjoyable day together.

Descriptive/Expository Writing

Explains something to the reader using details/description› Tell/explain/describe› May include directions or “how to”

information› May explain a “why” or “how”

Descriptive = 5 Senses› Taste, smell, sight, sound, touch

Descriptive/Expository Prompts

Expository› What kinds of things do you do to relax? Identify your favorite

way to relax, and explain why it is your favorite.› Explain what steps a teenager can take to promote academic

success during his or her years as a high school student.

Descriptive› Describe a home that would be an appropriate place for a

clown to live.› Describe a place where you would want to spend eternity.› Describe a way you could help others in your town.

Persuasive Writing Persuades the reader to do

something/believe a certain way Ex. Commercials & political speeches Letters to government officials or

businesses may be persuasive writing

Persuasive Prompts Persuade members of your community that

vandalism could be decreased by adopting your proposed solution.

Choose one aspect of your school that you believe could be improved. Write an essay to persuade your classmates to agree with your suggested change.

Technology is advancing rapidly. Do you agree or disagree that technology has improved your life? Write a persuasive essay in which you convince the reader of your position.

Letters Requires professional writing style and

letter format Ex. business letters, job applications,

letters to the editor States purpose, provides

background/context, addresses the needs of the audience

Clear, efficient, formal language Appropriate technical terms

Ex. Letter Prompts Write a letter to the school paper in

which you argue for or against the proposal.

Write a letter to your parents in which you explain why you would benefit from a new computer.

Types of Prompts You must be able to recognize what

mode of writing a writing prompt requires

Verbs are useful clues› Ie. ‘persuade’ ‘explain’ ‘describe’

Quick Check Quiz 1. List the four modes of writing.

› Narrative, persuasive, expository/descriptive, letters

2. Give an example of persuasive writing.› Commercials and political speeches

3. List a “clue word” for expository writing.› Explain

Three Main Parts Introduction

› Presents the topic clearly/briefly, gets audience interested Body

› Each major idea in one paragraph› Longest section, includes details› Topic sentences, transitions, and specific details in each

paragraph to support the central idea of that paragraph Conclusion

› Briefly summarizes, extends/elaborates› DO NOT simply repeat what you’ve said – provide a final bit of

insight on your topic› DO NOT introduce new ideas not discussed in essay

Organizational Structures Choose your structure in a way that best suits

the prompt, thesis, and main points. Examples:

› Cause and effect› Chronological order› Comparison and contrast› Detailed description› Opinion and supporting arguments› Stages of a process› Definition and examples› Problems and solutions

Outlines Briefly describes what you will include in

each part After deconstructing the prompt,

brainstorming, and free-writing, develop your outline

May or may not include complete sentences – but should have a complete thesis

Don’t be afraid to revise – make changes as needed and let it serve as a guide

Example: Outline Prompt: In a letter to students on a U.S. airbase in Germany, describe what

life is like for students at your school.› Introduction: Tell the students that I’m describing what life is like for students at

my high school. Tell them that, for me, the three most important things about Chandler High School are the following: the good teachers, helpful staff, and friendly students; the intramural and varsity sports programs; and the performing arts programs. Thesis: At Chandler High School, positive relationships and diverse extracurricular

opportunities enrich students’ lives on a daily basis. REMEMBER: Where should the thesis go?? What should be described before?

› Idea #1: Teachers and students. Describe the many excellent and dedicated teachers, coaches, counselors, and other staff members. Describe the friendly students and interesting class discussions.

› Idea #2: Sports programs. Describe the varsity sport teams: football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, golf, track and field. Let them know that a new swimming pool is being built.

› Idea #3: Performing Arts programs. Describe the opportunities that students have to participate in orchestra, band, and smaller musical and vocal groups. Describe the opportunities to participate in dramas, musicals, and debate programs.

› Conclusion: Sum up the three main ideas and close with a positive statement about my school and what life is like for students here.

Organization Present ideas in a way that your readers will find

understandable & compelling. Remember your audience and purpose. Organizing will provide you with a plan to more

effectively communicate your ideas. Other options:

› Graphic Organizers › Venn Diagrams (compare/contrast)› See provided handouts!

Practice Time PROMPT: Many students in your high school have

part-time jobs. School board members have expressed concern that students’ school performance suffers when they have jobs during the school year. Write an essay to your district’s school board members convincing them to agree with your position on whether or not students are negatively affected by jobs during the school year.› Deconstruct the Prompt.› Brainstorm. Free-write. Thesis. Outline.

Drafting One voice – hundreds of ways to use it. Friends? The principal? Police officer? Voice, word choice, and sentence

structure… appropriate for the situation and audience.

Voice & Word Choice Voice [ie. serious/formal,

personal/informal] Casual or formal language?

› Informal: I was totally wired after three cups of coffee.

› Formal: I was extremely tense after three cups of coffee.

› Informal: I crashed after that exam.› Formal: I was exhausted after that exam.

Practice Rewrite the following sentences from

casual language into formal language.› Theresa thought the essay was a snap.› Rosa is all hyped up about the party.› The movie was awesome.› Martin really blew it on his history exam.› Bill inhaled his sandwich at lunch.

Using Resources Dictionary and Thesaurus

› Dictionary: spelling, synonyms, examples, definitions

› Thesaurus: find words that can be used as substitutes

› These are available to you – USE THEM!

Being Specific General words and phrases describe a

class/category – ex. dog Specific words and phrases describe a

member of a class/category – ex. beagle, Jim’s beagle, Sebastion

Use general words for summing up, specific words for supporting your ideas

Specific words, vivid images, and familiar examples bring your writing to life

Create a Picture General Writing:

› There was this guy. He went somewhere and met another guy. They talked, and then they did some other stuff. Then they went home. The end.

› But… Who were they? What did they say? What did they do? General = vague.

› INSTEAD: Provide descriptive details, use specific words and phrases, make it interesting

Word Choice Tips Use a mature vocabulary, but don’t go overboard trying to

impress readers Avoid repetition, or using two words together that mean

the same thing (ex. plentiful and abundance) Don’t use a word unless you’re sure of its meaning – look it

up! Use words correctly, and watch out for commonly mistaken

words (ex. their, there, they’re) Go back and look for words you’ve used frequently, then

use a thesaurus to find stronger synonyms Go back and look for words that lack interest or originality

(ie. good, bad, pretty, ugly) and use a thesaurus to find stronger synonyms

Practice Time Replace each general phrase with a

more specific word or phrase.› Earring› Car› Shoes› Flower› Store

Spice it up:Similes and Metaphors

Comparisons between two things› Simile: uses like or as (Mark runs like a deer)› Metaphor: states/implies one thing is another

(Mark is a deer when he runs)› BE CAREFUL: Avoid cliches, or commonly use

and worn out similes/metaphors – ie. “Derek is as skinny as a toothpick” vs. “Derek could hide behind a broomstick”

Sentences #1: Grabber – carefully designed first

sentence to create a certain effect, in hopes of grabbing the attention of the audience

Simple, compound, complex sentences – use variety

Simple Sentences Expresses one complete thought. Subject: person, place, thing, or idea

that the rest of the sentence is about Predicate: describes what the subject is

or does Ex. [Christy][blurs with speed.]

Fragments Incomplete sentences, missing subject or

predicate Be sure to go back and check for/revise

fragments during revision Examples

› Blazed past three defenders.› Because the score was tied at the end.

Compound Sentences Two or more simple sentences joined in one

sentence, expressing two or more complete thoughts.

Each complete thought = independent clause Ex. The final buzzer sounded, and the game was

over. Ex. Everyone cheered loudly; the girls’ team had

just beaten the boys’. Ex. There is only one reason why she would

behave so strangely: she has a crush on him.

Coordinating Conjunctions To make a compound sentence, one

option is to use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

Remember that both clauses must be independent (can stand alone)

Examples› Christy smiled, but she did not speak.

Semicolons Another option is to combine two

independent clauses into a compound sentence using a semicolon.

Examples› Christy smiled; she did not speak.

Colon One might also create a compound

sentence using a colon between two independent clauses when one answers something about the clause before it.

Example› There was only one explanation: the train

arrived late.

Complex Sentence Contains an independent clause and a

dependent clause. Some may use a subordinating

conjunction, which joins two clauses and makes one less important than the other.› Example:

Before the game had begun, Christy had made a speech to her team.

She told them to be good sports so the boys wouldn’t feel bad about losing.

Subordinating Conjunctions Examples:

› After, before, although, because, how, except that, even though, if, once, provided that, so, so that, than, while, which, where, when, until, unless, though, etc.

Compound-Complex Contains at least two independent

clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Example: Christy was proud of her team, for

although they were excited, they didn’t taunt the boys.

Variety is Key “I wanted to learn to ski. I didn’t know how hard

it would be. I didn’t get to ski more than once. I spent my entire vacation with my leg in a cast. I sipped hot chocolate. I sat in front of the fire.”

What’s wrong with this passage? What type of sentences are used? PRACTICE: Revise this passage in the space

provided using different types of sentence structures. When you’re finished, identify the types you incorporated.

Paragraphs Paragraphs:

› Begin on a new, indented line› Clearly focus on one important idea that

supports the thesis› Begins with a topic sentence:

The stated main idea of the paragraph› Continues with a body:

Sentences supporting the topic sentence with details, examples, and commentary

› Ends with concluding sentence: Wraps up the information of the paragraph and leads

the reader to the next paragraph

Paragraphs (con’t) Logical and coherent DO NOT LOSE FOCUS Sentences should fit together naturally,

flowing easily from one to the next Ordered carefully – building on what came

before PRACTICE: Complete the practice hand-

out provided. (BD, p. 46)

Transitions Words, phrases, or sentences that help

the reader understand how your ideas fit together to support your topic.

Make your writing easier to read by creating a natural flow of ideas between sentences and paragraphs.

Ex. “In addition to,” “Moreover,” “Equally important,”

Revising & Editing Check your writing for spelling, grammar,

punctuation, sentence construction/variety, and paragraph organization.

Are the ideas focused, engaging, and clearly expressed?

Is the writing presented in a form that is readable and attractive?

Key Questions Is my paper written for the correct audience? Does my paper contain a strong main idea? Does my paper stay focused on my main idea? Does my paper contain specific ideas that support my

main idea? Does my paper have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Are my ideas logical and easy to follow? Does my paper contain interesting and meaningful words?

Are they specific? Does my paper contain varied sentences that are clear? Does my paper contain correct spelling, punctuation, and

grammar?

Revising & Editing REMEMBER: Have minimal errors in

spelling and grammar, and write as legibly as possible!› Revision Strategies› Sentence Fluency› Wordiness and Redundancy› Editing and Proofreading

Revision Strategies HINT: Read the entire essay before you

begin revising. Do not revise sentence by sentence. You need to get across the general message or idea first. Your revision will be much more successful this way, and the revised essay will be better organized.

Revision Strategies Revise by adding, deleting, rewording,

and rearranging. Use a dictionary and thesaurus. Use the checklist provided in the test. Use proofreading marks.

Revising: Word Choice

› Check for wordiness, overly fancy when simple works, redundancy, overuse, inappropriate/informal

Sentence Fluency: › Check for variety, flow, and correctness

Editing and Proofreading Edit for grammar, spelling,

punctuation, and capitalization.› Know your faults.› Look for one type of mistake at a time.› Improve sentence fluency.› Look for fragments/run-ons.› Eliminate slang/informal language

Proofreading After editing, check your final copy to

make sure it is just the way you want it and no new errors have been introduced. › Check to see that it is legible!› Give the text a “fresh read” from beginning

to end› Read the paper backward – each sentence

separately.

Proofreading Questions Have all necessary changes from the

editing stage been made? Have any new errors been introduced? Is the handwriting legible? Is everything just the way I want it?

The 6 Traits 1. Ideas and Content 2. Organization 3. Voice 4. Word Choice 5. Sentence Fluency 6. Conventions

Ideas and Content How well-developed are your ideas? How well-supported are your ideas? Do you have interesting details? Do your ideas all connect to form a

clear message?

Ideas and Content What is the best thing you can do to

make sure that you get a high score for ideas and content?› Prewriting! Deconstruct the prompt,

brainstorm, free-write, outline. Choose the best ideas.

Organization Who is my audience, or who is my paper being written for?

› Ex. “your fellow students”› Important: writing to convince your peers to your way of thinking

What is the purpose of my essay?› Ex. “convince” – to persuade

Do I have enough details to support my ideas?› Min. 3 supporting details for each body paragraph› Ex. If you stated that school uniforms are a bad idea because they are

too expensive for many students, you are going to need to support that claim.

› Details might include: The price of an average school uniform, the average amount of available

money students have to spend on clothes, and the issue of being forced to purchase something a student may not want.

Organization (con’t) Introduction (8-12 sentences)

› Grabber (1-2 short sentences) Ex. Quote, anecdote/story, rhetorical question

› Background on the topic (3-4 sentences)› Interesting and engaging outline of main points to

discuss in the essay (3-4 sentences)› Smooth transition into the thesis› A clear, logical thesis statement in the last sentence (1

sentence) Ex. Modern-day video games are far too dangerous because

they contribute to violence among teenagers and society. Ex. Violent video games are forms of entertainment and

should not be blamed for violence among teens.

Practice: Thesis Write a specific and complete thesis for

and against each of the following topics:› Topic: Mandatory drug testing for

professional athletes› Topic: School uniforms

Introduction: Wrap Up An effective introduction combines the

following elements:› Grabber› Transition/set-up› Thesis

Makes your opinion immediately clear States the reason(s) for your opinion

Body of the Essay REMEMBER: All ideas in the body should

connect to your thesis. It is your job to convince a reader why your viewpoint is correct. You will need to provide plenty of support to make a strong argument.

Let’s talk numbers here…› 2? 3? 4? What works?

Sample:Persuasive Outline

Paragraph 1: Introduction Paragraph 2: Discuss first subtopic from thesis.

› Ex. Explain how the dress code will discourage cliques. Paragraph 3: Discuss second subtopic from thesis.

› Ex. Explain how the dress code will discourage judgmental behavior among students.

Paragraph 4: Mention any counterarguments and explain why they are wrong.› Ex. People who oppose the dress code due to ruining student

freedom are incorrect because… Paragraph 5: Conclusion

› Summarize main points, restate thesis (NOT REPEAT), end on a powerful/passionate note – inspire your reader to action.

Voice Unique way of expressing yourself Must recognize your audience Commitment/enthusiasm Ex. Persuasive writing = voice that shows

dedication to the issue; take a firm stance and do not back down› Ex. “I think that a dress code is a great idea

because…”› What would strengthen the confidence of this

voice?

The “I think/believe…” Problem

DO NOT USE:› I think/believe or similar structures› Why?

States the obvious. Unnecessary and redundant. Diminishes the strength of your argument.

Voice - Review REMEMBER: Your voice is unique, don’t be

afraid to express it so long as you continuously acknowledge your audience.

Let your passion and enthusiasm shine through with your choice of words.

Do not use “I think/believe” etc.

Word Choice Stronger words = more effective Specific vs. general Use the thesaurus! Rewrite the following sentences using

more meaningful, vivid words.› Dinner last night was good.› The chocolate cake was good.› He walked by with an angry look on his face.› The small child began to cry.

Sentence Fluency Structure, rhythm, and flow

› Varied structures Simple, compound, complex, compound complex Varied punctuation

› Flows well and sounds natural› What is the best way to check the sentence

fluency in your essay? Read it out loud! (In your head, of course)

Practice: Sentence Fluency

Rewrite the following sentences to improve the variety and fluency.› I had to go to the store. I needed to buy apples. I

needed to buy bananas. I also needed paper towels.› I only had one reason for not completing my homework.

I procrastinated and ran out of time.› She exercises in the gym every morning because she

wants to maintain good fitness and a healthy lifestyle so that when she gets older she’ll be able to maintain good fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

Fragments & Run-ons Fragments:

› Incomplete sentence› Ex. I always look forward to the weekends because I get

to sleep in late. Really late. Run-ons:

› Go on and on without observing the rules of proper punctuation

› Ex. My favorite place to vacation is in Santa Barbara, California because it is beautiful and I love the ocean and the salty air and my family always finds delicious places to eat.

What is the best way to check for these?› Read it out loud! (in your head, of course)

Review: Sentence Fluency

Use a variety of sentence structures and punctuation

Do not overuse a particular type of structure or punctuation

Read your writing aloud to see if it flows

Check for fragments and run-ons

Conventions Proper spelling, grammar, punctuation What is the most important thing you can

do to help your score in conventions?› PROOFREAD your essay! Do not assume that it

is error free. Chances are, there will be several errors that can be caught and corrected by just reading over your essay.

Conventions (con’t) Use a dictionary to check for spelling The essay is not timed – look up every

word if you want The grader will have no sympathy for

misspelled words knowing you had this resource available to you

Conventions (con’t) Verb Tense Agreement

› Be sure to use the same verb tense throughout your essay

› If you start writing in the present tense, you need to stick with it

› If you start writing in the past tense, you need to stick with it

› This is an easy error to fix when you take the time to proofread and catch it Ex. The Grapes of Wrath is a story about a family traveling

to California. They travel with few belongings, and they suffered for much of the journey.

Where does the verb tense change? Correct the error and rewrite the correct version in your notes.

Practice: Verb Tense Rewrite the following sentence to

correct the change in verb tense.› People may say that professional sports

had lost their appeal due to superficial requests that are made by players and the outrageous salaries that they demanded.

Capitalization Remember which words require capital

letters and how to write them properly. Examples that require them:

› The first word of a sentence› Names of people (first and last)› Names of cities, states, towns› Names of famous monuments and parks› Months of the year and days of the week› Works of art and literature

Punctuation Commas, periods, semicolons, colons,

dashes, etc. DO NOT use exclamation points or

question marks Commas:

› Separate items in a list› Precede a coordinating or subordinating

conjunction› Placed after a dependent clause

Practice: Commas Rewrite the following to include

commas where required.› I went to the movies with Sara Katie and

Rose.› We had a great time on Saturday but I wish

we had gotten home earlier.› As she walked down the street she thought

about her day at school.

Review: Conventions Use a dictionary when you are unsure Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and

punctuation What is the best way to increase your

conventions score?› PROOFREAD!› Read over slowly and carefully, reading it out

loud (in your mind, of course)

Test Taking Tips 1. Read the prompt carefully. 2. Use your time wisely. 3. Plan your writing. 4. Be thorough. 5. Revise and edit your work. 6. Make sure your response is legible. 7. Rest, eat breakfast, relax.

Narrative Writing Tells a story, focusing on relating a

sequence of events and actions Plot, character(s), setting, narrator (the

voice) Point of view:

› DO NOT USE SECOND PERSON! “You”› Stay consistent, if you begin in first-person,

stay in first-person

Narrative Writing Establish a specific setting

› Describes where and when the story takes place

› Ex. Season, weather, time of day, point in history, geographic location, landscape, surroundings, etc.

› Use specific details to describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the scene

Narrative Writing Develop the character(s)

› Include specific details to bring them to life› Show them to your readers using thoughts,

words, and actions› Use dialogue and descriptions of the

character’s actions, expressions, and feelings to show what kind of person he/she is

Narrative Writing Base the plot on a conflict

› In almost every story, the main character has a central problem – or conflict

› Ex. person-person, nature-person, person-self, etc.

› What does this character want most – and why? What is blocking the character from getting what he or she wants?

Narrative Writing Follow an organized structure

› Sequences of events› Establish significance of events and how they affect the

characters› Evens must be connected but not necessarily listed› Should have a clear beginning, middle, and end

Beginning: establishes main character(s), setting, central problem

Middle: character(s) attempt to solve the problem, often facing complications

End: Plot reaches high point – or climax – followed by a resolution

Narrative Writing Keep your reader’s attention

› Grab and keep the audience’s interest› Pace events so they are fast enough to keep

interest, but not so fast that the reader can’t enjoy what’s going on or feels rushed

› Do not tell how everything will turn out from the beginning – reveal clues and let the audience discover things as they go along

Narrative Writing Use a range of strategies and literary devices Develop your style

› Figurative language (ie. similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, etc.)

› Specific, sensory language and concrete details – use the 5 senses

› Effective paragraphing – remember, every idea gets its own paragraph

› Also – when using dialogue, begin a new paragraph when a new character is being quoted

Narrative Writing Focus your story on a main idea and a

theme› Main idea – what is your story about? › Ex. Romeo and Juliet: two young people,

whose families are bitter enemies, fall in love.› Theme – message you want to convey to

readers› Ex. Love is more powerful than hate.

Narrative Writing Words with Power

› DO NOT rely to heavily on adjectives and adverbs

› Consider strengthening verbs and nouns for increased effect Ex. After dark, the boys entered the woods, which

were dark and full of animal sounds. Revised: Shortly after the stars began to wink in the

night sky, the boys entered the dark and sinister woods, which were filled with the sounds of hooting owls, chattering raccoons, and the muffled cluck and chuckle of night birds.

Narrative Writing Everyone has a pet with whom we like

to spend time. Write a narrative about a time when you and a person or pet spent an enjoyable day together.› Your narrative should include:

A description of the setting Specific and appropriate details A clear sequence of events

Persuasive Writing Convincing or inspiring others to hold a

certain opinion or take a specific action.

States a position clearly in the thesis – not to be confused with stating the subject: it is your position on the subject

Persuasive Writing Supports position and arguments with

compelling and relevant evidence Choose points carefully – use those

that will be persuasive to your audience, not just you

Anticipate the concerns of your readers and address them well

AVOID: Jumping to conclusions or making generalizations

without enough support Presenting opinions as facts Suggesting that since once event happened

before another that it must have caused the second without a proven cause/effect link

Saying that only two options are possible when there may be more

Ignoring evidence that doesn’t support your argument

Persuasive Writing Organize information in a logical, easy-to-

understand format The structure will depend on your topic,

audience, and your writing style Some possibilities:

› Give an opinion and support it with 2-3 well-explained reasons

› Give an opinion. Present the opposite viewpoint, then given reasons against that opposite view

› Give an opinion. Present the opposite viewpoint. Admit that the opposite view has some merit, but then show how your opinion is better.

Persuasive Writing Choose a tone that is appropriate to

your audience and purpose› Respectful, formal, confident› NOT: disrespectful (to opposition or anyone

else), informal, or hesitant (ie. I think…)

Persuasive Writing Select one thing about your school that you would like to

see changed. It might deal with the lunchroom, homework, sports, class requirements, or any other aspect of school life.

Write an essay to persuade your classmates to agree with your suggested change.

Your essay should include:› A clearly stated position.› Strong arguments and evidence.› Persuasive word choice.› *Remember to edit for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and

capitalization.

Expository Writing “Explanatory” writing You play the role of the expert Your job is to explain as clearly as

possible your special knowledge of the subject

Addresses the: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

Expository Writing Provide a clear description of your

subject and the purpose in your thesis Choose an organizational strategy

appropriate to the purpose, audience, and context of the subject

Organizing Expository Examples:

› Define or classify an idea and give examples

› Explore a problem and give possible solutions

› Examine causes and effects› Present a main idea and supporting

information (details, reasons, facts, examples, etc.)

› Compare and contrast two subjects› Analyze a whole by looking at its parts

Support, support, support Facts Details Examples Explanations

› STAY ON TOPIC

Beginning Prompts Write a report on… Explain how… Describe how… Define…

Descriptive Is exactly that. Describe! THE FIVE SENSES

Expository Essay Time There are many opportunities for

volunteers to help others in your town. Write an essay describing a way you could help others in your town. Support your ideas with plenty of details.

Your essay should include:› An effective introduction, body, and

conclusion.› Specific and appropriate details.› A clear organization.

Letter Writing Business letters, scholarship letters,

letters to the editor, job applications, college admission letters, etc.

Use the appropriate letter format – block style

Block Format Your Address Date Recipient’s Address Salutation (greeting) Body Complimentary Close Signature

Be serious – be yourself. Formal communication –

straightforward and serious tone You want to be taken seriously? Write

seriously. Polite and respectful – no matter the

audience.

State your purpose! Get to the point Clearly state WHO YOU ARE WHY YOU ARE WRITING Straightforward and direct Ex.

› Mr. Mayor, I am writing to urge you and the city council to strongly oppose the proposal to close Kinkaid Park, paving the way for construction of high-rise apartments on the land.

Background REQUIRED Describe the necessary background

concerning the problem Brief and cocise – NOT a drawn-out story Ex. As you know, this park has served the

city’s needs for more than 65 years. Its playgrounds, tennis courts, ball fields, and picnic areas are used by about 30% of the city’s citizens.

AUDIENCE AWARENESS Yes, I’m really saying it again. ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF YOUR AUDIENCE. You are not simply thinking of what YOU want

and need. You are thinking about what your readers need and want.

They will find it easier to agree with you when they know what’s in it for them.

Ex. The high-rise project could be constructed between 9th and 11th streets, along Desert Avenue; this land has already been zoned for multi-family housing.

Clear and efficient Answer the

Who/What/When/Where/How/Why/When so they don’t have to look

BUT – exclude unnecessary information and keep it concise (to the point!)

Technical Terms Formal language often requires precise

terminology But avoid useless and unnecessary

jargon… Carefully edit and poroofread as always

– checking for language appropriateness and audience awareness

Sense of Focus Topic sentences still required Each main thought should still have it’s

own paragraph, and organized with a clear progression from beginning to middle to end

Don’t forget your transitions…

Letter Time! Members of the local school board are

proposing that students complete 75 hours of community service as a part of high school graduation requirements. High school students will be allowed to vote on the issue, and their views will be taken into consideration. Write a letter to the school paper in which you argue for or against the proposal.

As always… Your letter should include…

› An introduction, body, and conclusion› A clearly stated position› Specific and appropriate reasons› Persuasive word choice› Edited for grammar, punctuation, spelling,

and capitalization.