Understand the different types of writing genres (category composition) and their elements Understand the six traits of quality writing Understand the rubric used for scoring student writing Practice scoring student work Write your own essay incorporating six traits of writing
What does the writing process look like? Reading examples of good writing Practicing the different traits Applying practice to your own essays Students evaluating their own writing
The Writing Process Prewriting (Planning) Writing (First Draft) Revising (Improving your writing) Editing (Correcting for style and accuracy) Publishing (Sharing)
What are the different types of writing genres (category compositions)?
Persuasive Expository/Informative Narrative/Descriptive Professional/Business
What is Descriptive Writing: Examples:
Descriptive Writing: portrays a character, object, or scene through sensory details/imagery (precise nouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives that relate how things look, sound, feel, taste, smell). Examples: travel brochures, short stories, novels, and poems
Key Elements of Descriptive Writing:
Creates a picture for the reader. Sensory details ( look, smell, taste, sound and feel) Vivid language
What is Personal/Narrative Writing: Examples:
Personal/Narrative Writing: relates a story or a personal essay. It sets up a story, builds to a high point, and winds down during the resolution. Narrative writing usually involves some problem to be solved or a challenge to overcome. Narrative writing is usually very personal and contains some type of reflection on life. Examples: novels, short stories, plays, diaries, and biographies
Key Elements of Narrative Writing:
Hook Strong beginning, middle & end Showing, not telling (description) Sensory details (smell, taste, look, feel & sound) Lots of voice (humor & figurative language) Dialogue (maybe) Plot Characterization Setting
Read “The Choice” Using a colored pencil underline the descriptive elements found in “The Choice”. Using a different colored pencil underline and label the narrative elements found in the “The Choice”.
What are the 6 traits? Ideas Organization Voice Word Choice Sentence Fluency Conventions
Ideas are the heart of any piece of writing… A solid, main idea that’s clear and identifiable (In formal pieces of writing this would be your thesis.) Interesting, relevant, accurate details and support that expand or clarify a main idea and bring it to life. Clarify so that the message makes sense and can be readily understand. Concise presentation that shows respect for a reader’s busy schedule.
In blue/green highlight the idea and the specific/concrete details that support the idea. Does the essay show complexity and freshness of thought? Focus on IDEAS: “The Choice”
Organization is the internal structure… It’s not just paragraphs, but what’s in them! Is there a beginning, middle, and end? Does it make sense? Is there a good sense of sequence? Is the writing easy to follow? A well-laid-out road map? Does the lead ‘hook’ the reader? Are transitions smooth and appropriate? Is the conclusion satisfying?
In orange highlight the introduction. Is it engaging? Why or Why not? Does the essay progress in logical order? What logical order is used? In orange highlight the transitions. Are they effective? Label the paragraphs to show the beginning, middle and end. Is there a strong closure? What is it? Focus on ORGANIZATION: “The Choice”
isualize wn the topic ndividuality are xtension of you
Voice is personality… and confidence Individuality and perspective Enthusiasm and expressiveness Is the author knowledgeable about the topic? Does the piece hold the reader’s attention? Is there real passion? Does the writing evoke an emotional response? Does the text just repeat common knowledge? Is the voice appropriate for the audience and purpose?
In yellow highlight sentences that shows the writer’s enthusiasm for the topic. In yellow highlight sentences that shows the writer’s humor. In yellow highlight sentences that shows the writer’s personality (individual perspective). Focus on VOICE: “The Choice”
How exquisite! Sounds scrumptious! ‘A breath of fresh air…’ Listen to the serene stillness...
Word choice is clear, precise and colorful… Find the word that is ‘just right’ Stretch to use new, interesting words Think verbs, verbs, verbs (use high energy words) Avoid ‘Creeping Thesaurus-itis’ Eliminate tired, trite words – good, very, things, etc. Cut the fat… only use words that carry their own weight
In pink highlight action/strong verbs (example: buzzed, bounced and splashed. In pink highlight imagery (smell, feel, sound, taste and look). In pink highlight figurative language (simile, metaphor, allusion, onomatopoeia and alliteration) Focus on WORD CHOICE: “The Choice”
The rhythm and flow of the sentences… Sounds soothing to the ear… A variety of sentence length and structure Sentences make sense Smooth transitions support fluency Punctuate. Periods are a good thing!
Count how many words are in the first five sentences in each paragraph. Place the number of words above the sentence. Circle the first word of the five sentences. Focus on SENTENCE FLUENCY: “The Choice”
Editing & revising for conventions… Use of proper format – MLA (indentation, margins, spacing, etc.) Correct use of capitalization, punctuation and spelling Maintain verb tense and subject verb agreement throughout composition Use adverbs, appositives, clauses and phrases correctly Use vocabulary correctly
Read the paper backwards, and circle in red pen any grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. Focus on CONVENTIONS: “The Choice”
Read “Pushing Yourself” and Score