1. Descriptive Essay January 28 th, 2016

2.  Write in your  planner!  January 28 th

3.  You will write a five paragraph or longer descriptive essay on January 28th for regular education students. Resource students may take a longer time.  Note! This is not a narrative essay. Narrative essays will be given an 1 and not graded!  This essay deals with descriptive language. Do not write a travelogue!  This will be done on the computer! 

4.  Grades 8 & 11 NeSA-Writing – One session  –Not timed; doesn’t generally exceed 90 minutes  Online only except for students with IEP or 504 Plan that states use of paper/pencil test or students responding in Spanish or another foreign language  Indent Tool is available.  Students will receive a warning when they reach 4,000 characters.  Spell Check is not activated.  The dictionary has been updated.

5.  Online Procedures Reactivation – Grades 8 & 11  Tests are not timed and students will never be forced out of a test.  Test Session Tickets are only active for 90 minutes after a student logs into the test.  Inactivity of 90 minutes during testing will cause the system to log student out of test.  Pause functionality (15 minutes)  Internet connectivity issues and unexpected interruptions can happen (fire drill, emergency, computer freezes up, power outage, etc.)

11.  * Creates a clear picture; is well-focused; description is distinctive.  * Structural development includes an effective introduction, body, and conclusion; sequencing is thoughtful and logical.  * Conveys a strong sense of the person; engaging throughout.  * Effective use of vivid words and phrases.  * Sentences vary in lengths or structure throughout; fragments add style.  * Errors in conventions are mostly correct.

12.  Bring your English notebook each day to class!

13.  The graphic organizer has to be in your brain!

14.  Think basketball!

15.  Transition Words are a must!  Transition to the next paragraph! Give a hint what the topic is for the next paragraph!

17.  Introductory Paragraph with a hook and a thesis statement!!  A hook grabs the reader’s attention.  A thesis statement identifies what the essay is about!  It has to be more than two sentences!

18.  The body consists of minimum of 3 paragraphs of description with sensory descriptive, figurative language, and precise nouns and verbs.  Voice is a must!  Use transitions between paragraphs!  This is a descriptive essay not a travelogue!  Describe!

19.  Summary paragraph with thesis statement restated.  Transition  A sentence or two connecting to the ideas or details woven throughout your writing  A “Slam Dunk” sentence— a sentence connect that goes beyond  Voice—Write about how this  topic has meaning for you! Tell why!

20.  Show! Don’t tell! Do not say, “I see, hear, etc.”  Keep “you” and “I” to a minimum!  Watch the homophones ◦ your-you’re ◦ its-it’s ◦ there-their-they’re  Be sure important words are spelled correctly  Don’t talk to the reader!  Write in past tense or present. Don’t mix the two!  Read through the essay! Check for spelling and “lost” words!  Be sure to punctuate and capitalize!

21.  January 28, 2016 We need to discuss 6 th -7 th Period  There will be a seating chart! I. 1. Look at prompt. II. 2. Fill out graphic organizer. Note! This will be graded! III. 3. Type essay! IV. 4. Take 10 minute break! V. 5. Reread essay to yourself. Look for problems! VI. 6. Look at the rubric online! VII. 7. Revise—Send to state!

22. After May ?????????, 2015  2015 NeSA-W Reports Posted in eDIRECT  All who pass the essay will be treated to pizza at the end of the school year!!