Writing Workshop

WRITING WORKSHOP

The Writing Process

Prewriting

Brainstorm ideas
Think of who your audience is
Gather information, organize or outline

Drafting

Write your first draft, including an intriguing beginning and summing up in a conclusion
Follow a determined order

Revising (improve your writing)

Change wording to make it more descriptive or exciting
Take out things that are unnecessary
Add things to make things more complete or exciting
Move things to make sure that they are in a logical order

Editing (making mechanical changes)

Make sure all sentences are complete sentences
Make sure sentences start with capital letters and have end punctuation
Make sure that all words are spelled correctly
Check that all paragraphs are indented
Check that dialogue has correct punctuation

Publishing

Type a final copy free of mistakes.
Choose to read or share your writing!

Narrative (made up story)

A narrative is a made-up story. It can be realistic or completely unrealistic. It will have a beginning, middle and an end. Generally there is some sort of conflict that should appear and be resolved by the end of the story.

BRAINSTORM:

think of things that interest you, or that you like to read about
start writing down creatures, people, animals, places, events…anything that you can think of
pick an idea for your story
think of a conflict or basic story line, characters, setting etc.

DRAFTING:

start writing, thinking of a beginning and ending, setting and characters
try to organize your thoughts into paragraphs but don’t spend a lot of time right now on spelling and mechanics, just write!

REVISING:

have you described the setting enough for your readers?
does your audience know what your characters look like etc.?
have you included enough info for your storyline?
have you included dialogue? Could you add some?
did you use any figures of speech or descriptive language?
does your story follow a logical order?
can you substitute any better/more exciting words?
have you included any events that are not necessary that you should take out?
are all of your sentences complete sentences/thoughts?
have you written in a consistent point of view?
have you included an interesting title?

EDITING:

use a red pen to correct misspelled words, punctuation and capital letters
make sure that all paragraphs are indented

PUBLISH:

type a final copy following rules for heading, pages, spacing, title, and margins

CHECKLIST: ______heading with name, teacher’s name, course, and date in left corner of first page

______last name and page # in right top corner of pages

______title

______paragraphs indented

______spelling corrected

______sentences have capital letters and periods

______dialogue written with quotation marks

Rubric for Narrative Writing

Focus Skills / Notes
Engaging plot with a clear conflict, climax and resolution / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
All events important to the plot / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Exact, vivid details to describe characters, setting, and events / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Consistent point of view / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
PROOFREADING SKILLS
Indented paragraphs / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Complete sentences / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Dialogue written correctly / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Correct capitalization / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Correct punctuation / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Correct spelling / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
FINAL COPY SKILLS
All mistakes corrected / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Title capitalized correctly / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Follows rules for title, heading, margins and spacing / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Neat copy / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
TOTAL
GRADE

Argument/Persuasive Writing

This writing requires you to take a position on a certain topic and investigate it to collect and evaluate evidence to support your position. It requires a solid thesis statement that states your position. For this assignment, I would like you to make a request to a certain person/people/place asking them to take some sort of action in favor or your position on a particular issue.

BRAINSTORM:

Think of things that you feel strongly about or would like to see changed at home, school, your community etc.- or hot topics among kids your age. Write them down.
Decide which one you could provide the strongest argument for.
Come up with a thesis statement stating specifically what action you would like to see happen.
Find 3 strong points to make in your favor. Start with the most important.
Think of one point of concession (what argument could someone have against your idea?)
Create an outline

DRAFT: (6 paragraphs: intro, reason 1, reason 2, concession, reason 3, conclusion)

Come up with an interesting way to introduce your topic, capture your audience.
Include your thesis statement at the end of your intro. paragraph.
Use a paragraph for each of your 3 points as well as one for concession
Start each paragraph with a topic sentence focusing on each point. Follow up with reasons, facts, supporting details. Research facts and stats and cite them in your text. Keep track of websites and books that you get info from to include in Works Cited
Pull everything together in a conclusion restating your position and call to action

REVISE:

Does your essay flow or does it sound choppy?
Have you “hooked” your audience with your intro? Have you stated your thesis statement?
Do you have at least 3 strong reasons? Have you started each sentence with a topic sentence?
Have you included concession?
Do you have a conclusion? Did you restate your request and call someone to action?
Have you cited some statistics and facts?
Is there any better way that you can say things? Change any words?
Have you followed the order of: intro, reason 1,reason 2, concession,reason 3, conclusion?

PROOFREAD:

Correct all capitalization, punctuation and spelling errors.
Indent paragraphs

PUBLISH:

Type up final copy following rules of margins, spacing, title and heading (1 ½ page min.)
Type a Works Cited page to include with your essay, showing the sourced that you quoted

FORMAT:CHECKLIST:

1) Clever title ______heading with name, date etc.

2) Intro paragraph ______last name and page # on pages

- catchy opening ______title

-state goal (thesis statement) ______thesis statement

3) Reason 1 paragraph ______3 reasons

-topic sentence, supporting details ______concession

4) Reason 2 paragraph ______conclusion/restate goal

- topic sentence, supporting details ______paragraphs indented

5) Concession (arguments against you) ______spelling corrected

- acknowledge other point as valid ______punctuation corrected

- counter the point and give a solution ______capitalization correct

6) Reason 3 paragraph ______cite quotes/stats in text

-topic sentence and supporting details ______Works Cited page

7) Conclusion ______at least 1 ½ pages typed

- sum up, restate goal, call audience to action

Rubric for Argument/Persuasive Essay

Focus Skills / Notes
Introduction that states a clear goal / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Goal supported by 3 strong reasons / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Each reason backed up by convincing facts and examples / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Reasons and details organized in paragraphs with topic sentence and transitions / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Reasons ordered effectively / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Confident voice and persuasive language / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Conclusion sums up reasons and call 4 action / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Proofreading Skills
Indented paragraphs / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Complete sentences / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Correct capitalization / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Correct punctuation / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Correct spelling / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Final Copy Skills
All mistakes corrected / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Title capitalized correctly / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Follows rules for title, heading, margins and spacing / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Works Cited page / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Research Report

This is informative writing that requires researching and acquiring information from at least 3 different sources (one MUST be a book) about a topic of choice.

BRAINSTORM:

Think of topics that interest you. Make a list of people, places, animals etc. Pick the one that interests you the most.
Find a book and a few websites about your topic that you can read to find info.
Take notes on notecards, dividing the notes into categories. (live? eat? etc.)
Organize the notes into an outline

DRAFT:

Write a first draft by filling in your outline as sentences with the facts and details that you found. WRITE EVERYTHING IN YOUR OWN WORDS, DO NOT COPY.
Think of a catchy beginning for your introduction, and be sure to let your readers know what your report is about by including your main idea in a single sentence.
Be sure that each paragraph has a topic sentence focusing on one thought for that paragraph. Fill in the paragraph with supporting details.
Bring your research to a close in the conclusion.

REVISE:

Is it clear to your reader what you are going to be talking about?

Are your paragraphs organized? Each focusing on a certain topic?
Did you grab your audience’s attention with you intro? Can you improve it?
Are there any more facts that you can include? Are there any facts that don’t fit and are unnecessary?
Do your paragraphs flow nicely from one to the next? (good transitions)
Did you bring your report to a nice conclusion?
Can you use better/more exciting word choices anywhere?

PROOFREAD:

Make sure that all words are spelled correctly
Check all punctuation and capital letters
Make sure that paragraphs are indented

PUBLISH

Type up a final copy following rules of margins, spacing, title, and heading (2 pages typed min.)
Type a Works Cited page to include with your essay, showing the sources that you used

(No needed to cite sources within your paper. Just put all sources on the Works Cited page only)

FORMAT:CHECKLIST:

I. Introduction_____ catchy intro

A. Catchy opening_____ stated main idea in intro.

B. Essay topic sentence_____ at least 3 topic paragraphs

II. Topic 1_____ conclusion

A. Topic sentence_____ heading (name, date etc.)

1. detail_____ last name, page # on pages

2. detail_____ Works Cited page

3. detail_____ corrected spelling errors

III. Topic 2_____ checked punct. and capitals

A.Topic sentence_____ complete sentences

1. detail_____ used 3 sources (1 a book)

2. detail _____ title

3. detail _____ indented paragraphs

( have as many topics as you want, 3 minimum) _____ at least 2 pages typed

V. Conclusion

Research Report Rubric

FOCUS SKILLS / NOTES
Interesting topic that clearly presents topic / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Each para. focused on an idea and details / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Good topic sentences / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Good transitions / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Well-researched facts / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Written in writer’s own words / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Conclusion sums up the main idea / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
PROOFREADING SKILLS
Indented paragraphs / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Complete sentences / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Consistent verb tenses / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Correct capitalization / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Correct punctuation / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Correct spelling / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
FINAL COPY SKILLS
All mistakes corrected / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Title capitalized correctly / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Follows rules for heading, margins, spacing / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Works cited page (includes 3 sources) / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
TOTAL/GRADE

Descriptive Writing

This writing really focuses on appealing to the 5 senses of your readers. You’ll want to paint a visual picture of an event, place, person etc. as well as any sounds, smells etc.

BRAINSTORM:

In your notebook, write: person, place, animal/thing, event, experience
Brainstorm as many things as you can under each
Pick a topic.
Write down: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell. Under each, describe your topic using those senses.
Organize your writing by deciding which method you’ll use for your essay:

-Chronological- tell events in the order they happen

-Spatial- describe things in the order you see them: left to right, top to bottom

-Flashback- start with important event and then go back to the beginning

-Compare/contrast- group details by similarities or differences (between 2 things)

-Logical- group related details and present in an order that makes sense

DRAFT:

Write your first draft remembering to follow the order method you chose
Paint a picture for your reader. Describe everything so they know what it is like.
Don’t just list features. Be conversational and still tell a story.

REVISE:

Did you find a way to introduce your topic so that your reader knows what you are describing? Is there a strong topic sentence?
Does your writing flow or is the appealing to senses seem forced?
Did you try to appeal to all 5 senses?
Did you keep consistent point of view and verb tenses?
Did you wrap up your writing into a nice conclusion?
Can you change any adjectives and adverbs to make it more exciting or descript?
If you were reading this paper, would you be able to get a good picture of your topic?
What can you add, change, delete, move?

EDIT:

Make sure paragraphs are indented
Correct all spelling, punctuation, and capitalization errors.

PUBLISH:

Type a final copy following ruled of heading, spacing, title and margins. Should be at least 1 page in length (typed)

FORMAT:Checklist:

-Introduce your topic_____ heading in left corner

-Include a topic sentence_____ last name and page #s

-Use descriptive language and follow one_____ title

of the methods to describe your topic_____ topic sentence

-Conclusion_____ try to include all 5 senses

_____ used adjectives and fig. lang.

______indented paragraphs

_____ corrected spelling

____ corrected capitals and punctuation

______at least a page in length

______consistent point of view and

Verb tenses

Descriptive Writing Rubric

FOCUS SKILLS / NOTES
Strong topic sentence
Interesting beginning that introduces topic
Sensory details that appeal to several senses
Details organized logically
Satisfying ending that leaves an impression
PROOFREADING/EDIT
Indented paragraphs
Complete sentences
Correct capitalization
Correct Spelling
Correct punctuation
Consistent verb tenses
Content and “flow” of paper
FNAL COPY SKILLS
All mistakes corrected
Sufficient in length and details
Title capitalized correctly
TOTAL /GRADE

Poetry Collection

Poetry uses figurative and descriptive language to paint a picture. Sometimes poems follow certain rules of rhyme, rhythm or meter.

ACROSTIC: Write a word or name vertically down the side of your paper. Each line should start with that first letter. Lines should generally be more than one word, and sentences and thoughts can flow from one line to the next.

Examples:

Sunny daysDarling flowers, happy and free

Plants awakeningA bright soft yellow, opens wide

Raindrops on the roadFirst of spring, I cannot wait

Interesting cloudsFilling my eyes with smiling petals

New flowersOnly these flowers I fill in my home

Gray skiesDaisies just sit, but daffodils dance

Inside their flower, a friendly nod

Long green stems reaching down in the air

Someday my garden will be a yellow blanket

DIAMANTE: This is a 6-line poem that builds around 2 opposite nouns. Start with 2 opposite nouns and then fill in the 6 lines following the rules below.

Line 1- noun #1

Line 2- two adjective describing noun #1

Line 3- three present participles (-ing verbs) that describe noun #1

Line 4- two nouns that relate to noun #1, and two nouns that relate to noun #2

Line 5- three present participles (-ing verbs) that describe noun #2

Line 6- two adjectives that describe noun #2

Line 7- noun #2

Example:

night

dark, eerie

sleeping, creeping, falling

moon, pajamas, sun, warmth

waking, rising, warming

bright, cheery

day

CINQUAIN: a poem that follows rules of syllables and focuses on one subject.

Line 1- two syllables (title/subject)- if you’re having trouble, try these for each line

Line 2- four syllable(description of the title)

Line 3- six syllables(some action about the title)

Line 4- eight syllables(feeling about the title)

Line 5- two syllables(synonym for the title)

Examples:

BaseballListen….

Bat cracks againstwith faint dry sound

The pitch, sending it outLike steps of passing ghosts

Over the back fence, I did it!The leaves, frost crisp’d, break from the trees

HomerunAnd fall

** Try using assonance or alliteration

LIMERICK: a common sing-songy poem that follows a certain rhythm and tends to be humorous and silly

Line 1: -/--/--/ (A)

Line 2: -/--/--/ (A)

Line 3: -/--/ (B)

Line 4: -/--/ (B)

Line 5: -/--/--/ (A)

Examples:There once was a man with a beardThere once was a man from Greece

Who said, “ It is just as I feared.”Who was incredibly obese

Two owl and a henHe rolled through the world

Four larks and a wrenCrushing all boys and girls

Have all built their nest in my beard.Then fell into a vat of grease.

** Try starting with “There once was….”

Think of some ease, related words that rhyme and build your funny poem around them

HAIKU: A Japanese poem that follows syllable rules and is usually about nature

Line 1- five syllables

Line 2- seven syllables

Line 3- five syllables

Examples:With changing seasons

Tiny buds wake up and yawn

Spring is in the air

The leaves of autumn

Lovely gold and brown colors

Painting the landscape

It’s cold—and I wait

For someone to shelter me

And take me from here

PALINDROME: “mirror poem” A poem that reads exactly the same backwards and forwards.

Start with one word, midway through come up with a word that relates to your initial word that will serve as the “divider” of your poem.

Examples:Life

Imitates nature,

Always moving, traveling continuously

Falling leaves placed delicately;

Foliage touching the echoing waters,

Clarity removed-

Reflections distorted through waves rippling;

Gracefully dancing

Mirrored images

Reflect

Images mirrored

Dancing gracefully

Rippling waves through distorted reflections

Removed clarity.

Waters echoing the touching foliage

Delicately placed leaves falling-

Continuously traveling, moving always,

nature imitates

life.

** think of pairs of words adj/noun, adv/noun that go together but that can also be reversed

FREE VERSE: this poem has no rules or regulations. However, it should still have some feel, and use of figurative language and descriptive words to paint a picture, not just tell a story.

1- Think of a nice, natural topic

2- Think of key words and ideal words to describe your topic that will create an image for your reader.

3- Think of something that you might be able to compare your topic to

4- Start constructing your poem. Remember to try to use: alliteration, assonance, similes, metaphors, repetition, personification.