April 1, 2014 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: To read & analyze prompts

1. April 1, 2014 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: To read & analyze prompts To brainstorm an essay prompt Bellringer: Get your The Giver theme essay out. What are two writing goals for this next essay? NEW SEATS!

2. FOCUS * answer the prompt as written * stick to your point * clear topic sentences and closing sentences in body paragraphs * write to your audience in a style and tone that match the mode (persuasive or informational) * no side trips * clear attention getter, thesis, PCS

3. CONTENT your content is strong when you include: · examples · explanations · elaboration · evidence · details · reasons · facts · anecdotes · connections ALL BODY PARAGRAPHS SHOULD BE AT LEAST SIX SENTENCES

4. ORGANIZATION Arrange your ideas in a helpful or logical way, such as: · most to least important · least to most important · similarities then differences · topic by topic · chronological order Use of paragraphing (FIVE), topic sentences, and transitional words

5. STYLE · use high level, appropriate vocabulary · use a variety of sentence styles (simple, compound, complex) NO “you” “stuff” “thing”

6. CONVENTIONS · correct spelling · complete sentences (no fragments) · correct end punctuation · correct internal punctuation (commas and semicolons) · correct capitalization

7. 4/2/14 1.4 Types of Writing 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: To review openers, attention getters and introductions To write a rough draft Have your homework out on your desk. Grab an Openers Sheet from the front table. Read, highlight and annotate it. Number 1-5 in your notebook skipping a line between each.

8. “Jack of all trades- a master of none” is a phrase often heard on the job site. One can dabble in many areas, but not truly master any one skill. It is important to be a well-rounded individual, but eventually one must find his niche and what he is good at. Being good at many things may help a person now, but in the future being an expert at one will mean more success. What opener technique is represented? What prompt does this introduction go with?

9. Do you enjoy seeing the leaves change color in the fall, or the gentle snowfall in the winter months? Imagine not being able to experience such natural beauties. Variety is the spice of life, and an area with four seasons offers a great variety of sights, activities, and beauty. The four season climate allows for inhabitants to experience all the natural wonders, exciting events, and picturesque views of the area. What opener technique is represented? What prompt does this introduction go with?

10. When I was seven years old, I refused to come inside the house until I taught myself to blow bubbles with my gum. It was getting dark and I was standing by my chimney, out of the view of my mother. I was determined to succeed and I placed a lot of pressure on myself. I never learned to blow bubbles that night, and when my mom finally found me, in tears, close to midnight I learned an important lesson. Sometimes failure is a better teacher than success. What opener technique is represented? What prompt does this introduction go with?

11. I never knew that a slice of pizza could change my life! When visiting Chicago last summer I thought I knew all there was to know about pizza. I am a teenager and pizza does constitute a large part of my weekly diet. A new experience with pizza awaited me in Illinois, though. A taste of Chicago style deep dish pizza was an extremely unique experience for my palate. What opener technique is represented? What prompt does this introduction go with?

12. Responsible, respectful, and helpful are three words to describe me. I have a few privileges in my family, but I think I deserve more because of the positive qualities I have. I show my responsibility and my willingness to help through my chores I do around the house; I am respectful when talking to my parents and older sister. Because I am such a great son, I deserve more privileges other kids my age have. What opener technique is represented? What prompt does this introduction go with?

13. April 3, 2014 1.5 Quality of Writing 1.4 Types of Writing Objectives: To review the use of transitions in your writing To practice PSSA Writing Multiple Choice Selection HOMEWORK- Topic Sentences Worksheet 1. Where in your essay are transitions essential? (there are four places) 2. Grab a transitions list from the front table. Also get a highlighter. Highlight ten of the transitions on the list. Try to use them on your PSSA Writing Exam next week.

14. First, dig out your PSSA rubric with notes on the front and goals on the back. Have this on your desk along with your final draft of your essay. Now, get a multiple choice packet from the front table. It is the sample test for the first part of the PSSA Writing Exam you will take Tuesday. Independently and quietly, complete it and submit to bin.

15. April 4, 2014 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: To review PSSA Writing multiple choice sections Grab a test blank paper from the front table and a highlighter. Get ready for a spelling POP quiz. HOMEWORK- Shawna McCann Essay

16. April 7, 2014 1.5 Quality of Writing Objective: To review PSSA Writing multiple choice sections Submit homework. Study your spelling words.

17. 1. collage 2. quiet 3. schedule 4. tomorrow 5. restaurant 6. chose 7. receive 8. lose 9. though 10. license 11. probably 12. always 13. surprise 14. favorite 15. permanent 16. foreign 17. goes 18. science 19. choose 20. college 21. through 22. independent 23. judgment 24. does 25. believe 26. loose 27. separate 28. embarrass 29. because definitely knowledge beginning Monday