1. Directions: 1.Create a new entry in your ELA notebook. 2.Assignment: Descriptive Writing Warm Up 3.Date: 9.23.11 Have you ever read a description of a person and said, “I know someone that looks just like that!”? Police Sketcher Artists help find criminals based on their description. In order for the picture to be accurate, detailed description must be provided. Pretend you just witnessed a crime and describe the four criminals. Be thorough…the catching of the criminals is in your hands.

2. Essential Questions: What is descriptive writing? How can you write a focused description of a person that tells how you feel about that person? We must be able to write a descriptive paragraph that… Catches and keeps the reader’s attention about a special person (ELA7W2.a) Explains ( with a topic sentence and supporting details) how I feel about that person. (ELA7W2. c-d)

3. When you write a descriptive paragraph, you create a picture of a person, place, event, or object. You want your reader to experience (see, hear, feel, taste, and smell) whatever you are describing.

4. EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPHS Sometimes have a definite structure that helps to organize complicated thoughts logically. Its structure makes it easy to explain things.

5. Topic Sentence Begin with a topic sentence that’s broad enough to include all the ideas of the paragraph, but narrow enough to be limited to a single paragraph. For a descriptive paragraph, begin the paragraph with a topic sentence that identifies your special person, and briefly explain his or her significance to you.topic sentence Ex. On October 19, 2004, the most important person to me was born at 11:19am.

6. SUPPORTING IDEAS The topic sentence is then developed by supporting ideas. Describe who or what is special to you in four or five sentences, using the details that you listed on your “descriptive paragraph graphic organizer”/circle map.details

7. Clincher Finally, conclude the paragraph with a sentence that emphasizes the personal value of the item, person, place, etc…

8. There are various ways to organize the details in a descriptive paragraph. You may move from the top of the item to the bottom, or from the bottom to the top. You may start at the left side of the item and move right, or go from right to left. You may start with the outside of the item and move in, or go from inside to out. Choose the one pattern that seems best suited to your topic, and then stick to that pattern throughout the paragraph.

9. The following paragraph, titled "My Tiny Diamond Ring“ It follows the basic pattern of topic sentence, supporting sentences, and conclusion On the third finger of my left hand is the pre-engagement ring given to me last year by my sister Doris. The 14-carat gold band, a bit tarnished by time and neglect, circles my finger and twists together at the top to encase a small white diamond. The four prongs that anchor the diamond are separated by pockets of dust. The diamond itself is tiny and dull, like a sliver of glass found on the kitchen floor after a dishwashing accident. Just below the diamond are small air holes, intended to let the diamond breathe, but now clogged with grime. The ring is neither very attractive nor valuable, but I treasure it as a gift from my older sister, a gift that I will pass along to my younger sister when I receive my own engagement ring this Christmas.

10. Introduction identifies the person and gives a main impression of him: he is serious and in control.

11. The highlighted sensory details show rather than tell what Uncle Edward is like. The tone is respectful without being rude.

12. The way Uncle Edward stands and moves lets you know that he isn’t the kind of guy you call Eddie, or even Ed. All the people I know call him Edward, or else they will call him Mr. Mayhew. I’m guessing he never got slapped on the back either. Probably the closest anyone came to doing that was giving him a good, firm handshake.

14. What’s special to 3 rd period? Ms. Hines: Special person-my daughter Emily’s older sister Minya’s younger siblings Dionna’s dog Jordan’s hoop Kailany’s mom Naiza’s family Larry’s mom Tanisha’s baby brother Nitika’s baby cousin

15. Who’s special to 4th period? Ms. Hines’ daughter, Julia Baby brother Best friend Sister Mother Niece Dad Uncle Nephew Big Sister Cousin Aunt Neighbor Myself

16. Who or what is special to 5th period? Ms. Hines’ daughter, Julia Friend Neighbor Mom Sister Dad Brother Dog Aunt Fish

17. What’s special to 6th period? Ms. Hines’ daughter, Julia

19. Writing from your life. – Pre Write: Draw a Circle Map to help you describe your important person. See Ms. Hines before you begin your draft. – Draft: Using your Circle Map, write a focused descriptive paragraph (topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a clincher) of a person. Your description should have many details and should tell why the person is important to you. People to consider: 1. a person you know very well 2. a person who has influenced you 3. a family member or neighbor who helped you.

20. Homework (9.26.11) 3 rd and 4 th periods – Complete “Descriptive Paragraph Graphic Organizer” (3 rd ) – Create a circle map (4 th and 5 th ) – Write your topic sentence for your descriptive paragraph – Read 30 minutes and fill out reading log – Study flashcards for Expository/Research Unit

21. Homework (9.26.11) 5 th Period – Write your descriptive paragraph in blue or black ink. – Read 30 minutes and fill out reading log – Study flashcards for Expository/Research Unit