Bellwork p.25 23 Sept 2010

1. Bellwork p.2523 Sept 2010 • In a paragraph, describe your room. (min 5 sentences)

2. Show, Not Tell • Use words to paint a picture • The reader should feel like she is actually in the story. • Telling the story: “The rain ruined our picnic." • Showing the story: “The dark clouds built overhead as we rushed to pack up our picnic supplies. Before we could make it to the car, the rain began to fall in buckets from the sky.”

3. ADD DETAIL • Take it from dull to dazzling! • Use numbers • Instead of writing, “I like a lot of music” • Write, “I enjoy listening to 3 different genres: rock, rap, and scaw.” • Be brand specific • Instead of writing, "I got a new pair of shoes" • Write, "I purchased a new pair of green Converse All-Stars." • Add color • Instead of writing, "Mom bought me a new car" • Write, "Mom bought me a new candy apple red Porsche."

4. Add Imagery • Imagery is using words to describe things that appeal to your 5 senses • 5 senses: • Taste, Touch, Smell, Sight, Hearing • Instead of writing, “She smelled nice.” • Write, “The beautiful brunette's sweet perfume reminding me of roses and clean soap.” • Instead of writing, “My friend is good." • Write, “My friend often on hot summer days remembers to invite us over to swim in his clear blue pool with the orange-tiled jacuzzi.”

5. Use a Metaphor or Simile • Metaphors provide a comparison but by stating that one thing is something else. • Example: Her eyes were sparkling sapphires. • Similes compare one object with another using the words "like" or "as." • Example: Her eyes sparkled like sapphires. • The key to using figurative language is to not overuse it.

6. Use Dialogue • Make the conversation REAL! • Use Quotation Marks • Example: My uncle often said, “Don’t forget the one percent, mija.” I will always hear his voice echo in my mind.