7 th Grade Language Arts

 What is STAR Writing?

 7 th Grade STAR Writing STAR Writing is Tuesday March 5 th !

 What Writing Genres does the STAR writing cover?

 Summary ***How does this look on the test? Usually they will have you read an article and then write a summary based on that article. You are expected to include all the key details using your own words in the summary. ***

 Narrative ***You are essentially telling a story that is either based on true events (non- fiction) or fictional. You have already written one narrative this school year ***

 Response to Literature ***Writing prompt asks question based on a story or poem. Students are expected to analyze a piece of literature and respond based on the question. Students use the story as evidence in their analysis. An example would be thinking about hwo a character changes throughout the story. ***

 Persuasive/Argument ***Completed two shorter Persuasive pieces. The written Closing Argument where we put Mary Maloney from “Lamb to the Slaughter” on trial along with the written argument you created with your 4 corner gun debate team. Persuasive essays must include a counterargument***

 Basic Parts of an Essay What you will be expected to write…

 Introduction **Introduces the topic and answers the writing prompt’s question. **

 Body Paragraphs **Narrative Body Paragraphs do not follow this format since it is a creative writing. However, Summary, Persuasive, and Response to Literature do use this format**

 Conclusion

 How do I Complete the Writing Process when it’s timed?

 Traditional Writing Process This process makes sense when you have more time to produce an essay. In this process there is time for peer review. In this process students can ask for help with constructing their draft. Completed over a length of time. Not in one sitting.

 Timed Writing Process Expected to write in one sitting. Although there is still a writing process, there are very brief steps. Less steps then traditional writing process. No ability to ask for help with the essay because they are usually assessments.

 Writing Process vs. Timed Writing Process Writing Process  More time.  Completed over time.  5 Step process.  Ability to seek help during the process to produce a “published” piece. Timed Writing Process  Less time.  Completed in one sitting.  3 step process  Considered to be an assessment so students cannot seek help on essay.

 Steps to Completing a Timed Writing

 Step 1: Read the Prompt Figure out the genre of writing: Summary, Persuasive, Response to Literature, or Narrative? Be sure to read all directions. Determine your audience.

 Step 2: Prewrite Brainstorm Outline Try using a bubble map to brainstorm for your topic. Think about what you need to cover Intro, Body, and Conclusion. An outline helps organize your essay. It helps you to think about what you will specifically write in your Intro, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion.

 Step 3: Draft  Be aware of time.  Be sure to have multiple paragraphs.  Include all three essay parts: Introduction, 3 Body Paragraphs, and a Conclusion.  Use your Brainstorm and Outline to guide your writing.

 Step 4: Review/Edit  Save a few minutes to edit.  Check for the basics: capital letters, ending punctuation, proper nouns, commas, etc.  Do not skip this step! If there are too many errors your reader will not understand your work.

  Read all directions carefully.  Be sure you are writing for the correct writing genre.  Take the time to plan your essay.  Be aware of time while drafting.  Be sure to save a few minutes for editing.  Do not panic! It is not a race. You will have two class periods to complete your written piece. Tips

  Sample writing prompts.  Familiarize ourselves with different writing genres: Persuasive, Response to Literature, Summary, Narrative  Practice brainstorming for various genres.  Write one sample, practice essay. How We’re going to practice for the STAR Writing?

Good Luck! Your test will be Tuesday March 5 th 2013! We will not know what writing genre will be on the test until the day of the test! Lets buckle down and practice over the next week to get ready for the test!

 Now it’s time to write your summary of what you learned from your notes!