October 3 - Prewriting and Drafting
Today we will begin our first major essay for Miss Shaffer! You will demonstrate all that you have learned throughout our 6+1 Traits unit by completing an essay of your choice. You must FULLY brainstorm TWO of the essay topics below and create a web and/or outline for each essay as part of the prewriting phase.
After you have finished both of your webs, review them! Which web has more information and ideas? Which one looks like it will be easier for you to write? Choose one of your webs and begin your rough draft. Requirements:
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ESSAY TOPIC #1
Think about a job or chore that you must do even though you do not like to do it. Clearly identify the job that you do not like. Then, explain just what it is that you have to do, how often you must do it, and why you do not enjoy doing it. Write your explanation for your friends. Use details and examples in your explanation.
ESSAY TOPIC #2
Think about a time when you won something. It might have been a game, a contest, or an award. If you can’t think of a time when you won something, make one up. Write a story about what happened that you would read to our friends. You may include dialogue if you wish. Make sure you include:
ESSAY TOPIC #3
A new student will be coming to your school. Write a letter to him or her, explaining in detail what to expect on the first day of school. Be sure to include the following items in your letter:
IF YOU DO NOT FINISH YOUR ROUGH DRAFT IN CLASS YOU MUST COMPLETE IT FOR HOMEWORK! YOUR ROUGH DRAFT IS DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2013!
Think about a job or chore that you must do even though you do not like to do it. Clearly identify the job that you do not like. Then, explain just what it is that you have to do, how often you must do it, and why you do not enjoy doing it. Write your explanation for your friends. Use details and examples in your explanation.
- Introduction: Preview your essay with an engaging introduction
- Explain: Identify the job
- Explain- How often must you do the job?
- Explain: Why do you dislike doing it?
- Conclusion
ESSAY TOPIC #2
Think about a time when you won something. It might have been a game, a contest, or an award. If you can’t think of a time when you won something, make one up. Write a story about what happened that you would read to our friends. You may include dialogue if you wish. Make sure you include:
- A beginning to your story
- The middle of your story (separated into at least three different body paragraphs)
- An ending to your story
ESSAY TOPIC #3
A new student will be coming to your school. Write a letter to him or her, explaining in detail what to expect on the first day of school. Be sure to include the following items in your letter:
- An introduction to the student: State why you are writing the letter and introduce yourself
- Body: Explain what each new student should know about your school (you should have at least THREE body paragraphs, each paragraph dealing with a separate topic)
- Conclusion: Sum up your letter briefly
IF YOU DO NOT FINISH YOUR ROUGH DRAFT IN CLASS YOU MUST COMPLETE IT FOR HOMEWORK! YOUR ROUGH DRAFT IS DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2013!
October 4 - Revise, Edit, Final Draft
Now that you have completed your rough draft, you will begin revising and editing your essay.
REVISING
When you revise, you add and remove sentences, phrases, and words to make your essay STRONGER. You should focus on the 6+1 Traits to help you revise.
When you revise, all your marks should be done in BLUE. You must have at least ten revisions written on your essay in BLUE.
EDITING
Once you have finished revising your essay, you may begin editing. When you edit, you are only checking for conventions and the mechanics of writing.
When you edit, you should use proper editing marks using a RED pen. Please use your editing marks worksheet, located in your writing binder, as a reference if you cannot remember the marks we have studied in class. There is no limit to the amount of editing marks that will be used in your essay. Ask a friend or your parent to help you proofread and edit your essay in RED.
When you are done revising and editing, you may begin your final copy. Rewrite your essay and make it perfect by including all of your revisions and edits. When you are finished, please turn in your work to Miss Shaffer. You must staple your final copy, rough draft, and two organizational webs together to receive full credit.
REVISING
When you revise, you add and remove sentences, phrases, and words to make your essay STRONGER. You should focus on the 6+1 Traits to help you revise.
- Word Choice: Did you use a variety of words? Are they very specific? Which words can you add or change to make your essay better?
- Voice: Do you communicate your thoughts and feelings in your essay?
- Sentence Fluency: Did you use a variety of sentence structures in your essay? Do you start your sentences with different words?
- Organization: Are your paragraphs in the correct order? Did you use transition words? Did you use a creative title?
- Ideas: Do you have a main topic? Is it very narrow and specific? Did you include very specific supporting details and examples in your essay to support your topic?
When you revise, all your marks should be done in BLUE. You must have at least ten revisions written on your essay in BLUE.
EDITING
Once you have finished revising your essay, you may begin editing. When you edit, you are only checking for conventions and the mechanics of writing.
- Did you spell words correctly?
- Did you use proper capitalization?
- Did you use correct punctuation?
- Did you use correct grammar?
When you edit, you should use proper editing marks using a RED pen. Please use your editing marks worksheet, located in your writing binder, as a reference if you cannot remember the marks we have studied in class. There is no limit to the amount of editing marks that will be used in your essay. Ask a friend or your parent to help you proofread and edit your essay in RED.
When you are done revising and editing, you may begin your final copy. Rewrite your essay and make it perfect by including all of your revisions and edits. When you are finished, please turn in your work to Miss Shaffer. You must staple your final copy, rough draft, and two organizational webs together to receive full credit.