1. Unit 1 Vocab Awareness Chart
For each term, rank your knowledge:
Know it!
Seen it, but not sure.
Don’t know.
If you know it or think you might (but not sure), write a definition and/or example in your own words.

2. “Why description matters to the brain”
Practice ANNOTATING while reading.
Write down notes, questions, comments, and reactions.
Feel free use emojis/symbols to represent thoughts as well.

3. After reading On the back, answer these three questions:
WHAT?  Summarize the WHAT of the article.
SO WHAT?  Why is this important? Why would we read this article in this class today?
NOW WHAT?  What are you going to do with this information? What will you work on?

4. Concrete details Discrete information used to describe something
Helps the reader visualize or comprehend an idea
Typically factual details – you can’t argue with them
Rely mainly on adjectives
Can be helpful, but not always the strongest for narrative writing
Example: The coat was red and made of silk.
Example: My basketball team was excited after we beat South Cobb
Example: The dog’s tongue hung out and drool dripped everywhere.

5. Where are the concrete details?
I was really scared to ride the roller coaster. I felt a little sick, but excited at the same time. When the bar clicked into place, I held on tight. When the ride started, I hoped for the best.

6. Concrete Details writing practice
1. The cat slept.
Round 1: Add one concrete detail about the cat.
Round 2: Add one concrete detail describing where the cat slept.
Round 3: Add one more concrete detail anywhere in the sentence.

7. More Practice 2. I drive a car.
Round 1: Add one concrete detail to describe the car.
Round 2: Add another concrete detail to describe the car.
Round 3: Add a third concrete detail to describe the car.

8. More Practice 3. I bought new shoes.
Round 1: Add one concrete detail describing the shoes.
Round 2: Add one concrete detail about the buying.
Round 3: Add one more concrete detail anywhere in the sentence.

9. Sensory Details
Based on the five senses: smell, sight, taste, touch, and sound
Should not rely only on adjectives – use nouns, verbs, and other parts of speech
Creates a stronger mental image ( imagery) for the reader
Strongest type of detail for narrative writing
Example: The sky glowed with orange and pink light as the sun set.
Example: As I took a bite of the sizzling steak, my tongue’s taste buds immediately felt burnt and in pain.
Example: The warm heat of the shower made me slump my back in relaxation after the hard game.

10. Where are the sensory details?
As I slid into the red plastic seat of the roller coaster, my mouth went dry and my hands felt clammy. The bar in front of my clicked into place, and I gripped it so hard my knuckles turned white. I could taste the cotton candy I’d eaten earlier at the back of my throat. When the car jolted forward, my stomach dropped, I held my breath, and I told myself I would survive.

14. Writing Practice
For each of the four prompts, write a minimum of five sentences. Include at least five sensory details and as many concrete details as you want.
Whatever is incomplete at the end of class is homework and due on Tuesday at the beginning of class (Monday is MLK Jr. Day).