1. Getting it “Write” planning your answers to writing prompts
Write Tools 101 lessons
Prepared by Cathleen Lykens

2. Carefully Read and analyze the prompt
What is your topic—summarize in a few words
Who is your audience?
Key Words
What type of writing is required?
How long should your answer be?
How many “Big Ideas” need to be included?

3. Some text types

4. Brainstorm
Big Idea
Big Idea
Big Idea
Big Idea

5. Pick a plan Number Notes T-Chart Topic Big Idea Topic
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Big Idea
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Big Idea
Big Idea
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Big Idea
Topic
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Topic

6. Create a Topic Sentence
Simple declarative sentence
Number Statement
Situation, stance…a specialized complex sentence.
Question

7. Practice Time---Analyze the prompt
T=Topic
An activity I enjoy or An activity I want to try
A= Audience
My teacher
K= Key Words
Essay
Describes
Details and Examples

8. Brainstorm
Draw cartoons
Rock wall climbing
Fishing
Decorate cakes

9. Choose to keep or release
Brainstorm
Get equipment
Remove the hook
Cast the line
Choose to keep or release
Fishing
Be patient
Watch the bobber
Set the hook
Bait the hook
Reel in the fish

10. Pick a Plan—Number Notes
T= Fishing
1. Get equipment
2. Rod and Reel
2. Bait
2. Hooks and lures
1. Bait the hook
2. Choose a lure, worm or other bait
2. Securely attach to the line or hook
1. Cast the line
2. press the release as you swing the rod in a smooth arc over your head.
2. Remember to reel in a small amount to line to pop the release and provide tension.

11. Pick a Plan—Number Notes
Continued…
1. Be patient
2. Sit still and wait. Excessive movement may frighten the fish
1. Watch the bobber.
2. When a fish takes the bait, the bobber will dip slightly or be pulled under the water
1. Set the Hook
2. Pull back in a short sharp movement to keep the fish on the line
Reel in the fish
1. Remove the hook
1. Choose whether to keep or release the fish.

12. Create a Topic Sentence
Pick an opening and concluding sentence.
Closing—restate the topic.
Simple declarative sentence
Number Statement
Fishing is a fun and relaxing activity.
Of all of the activities I enjoy, fishing is my favorite.
Opening topic sentence
Situation, stance…a specialized complex sentence.
Question
What can be a better way to spend an afternoon than fishing? Nothing.
Whenever I find a few moments to myself, I like to go fishing.

13. The black text phrases and sentences are transitions
The black text phrases and sentences are transitions. They tie the big ideas, details and topic together.
Draft
What can be a better way to spend an afternoon than fishing? Nothing. If you would like to try this fun and relaxing activity, you first have to get the proper equipment. You will need a Rod and reel, hooks, some bait like worms or minnows, or a lure. If you have a friend or parent who fishes, you may find these items in their tackle box. Now it is time to bait the hook. Choose a lure, worm or other bait and securely attach to the line or hook. The next step is to cast the line. press the release button on the bottom of the reel as you swing the rod in a smooth arc over your head. Remember to reel in a small amount to line to pop the release and provide tension. Once your line is in the water, you must be patient. Sit still and wait. Excessive movement may frighten the fish. While you wait, Watch the bobber. When a fish takes the bait, the bobber will dip slightly or be pulled under the water. If your bobber signals that a fish has taken the bait, set the hook. Pull back in a short sharp movement to keep the fish on the line. If you have successfully hooked a fish, reel it in. and remove the hook. Congratulations, you have caught one, but what do you do now? Do you want a meal or have you just had fun outsmarting a fish? Whether to keep or release your catch, Fishing is a fun and relaxing activity.

14. Revise, edit and publish
Look over your drafted paragraph. Does it read smoothly? Do you need more transitions?
Check for CUPS
C=Captialization errors
U=Usage errors
P= Punctuation errors
S= Spelling errors
Now rewrite your finished piece.