WHY WRITING IS IMPORTANT

Contributes to intelligence Develops initiative Develops courage Writer must analyze and synthesize information Develops initiative Writer must supply everything Develops courage The writer must give up anonymity Increases personal knowledge and self-esteem The writer learns and grows through the act of writing Encourages reading skills The writer’s auditory, visual and kinesthetic systems are all at work together

6 TRAITS Always have your rubric with you WORD CHOICE SENTENCE FLUENCY CONVENTIONS IDEAS DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION VOICE

WORD CHOICE Verbs breathe life and energy into the writing Words are not only correct, but precise – just right The language suits the topic The writer is in control – the language is natural, not forced Original phrasing keeps you tuned in (and makes you wish you’d thought of it yourself) **KEY QUESTION: if you could highlight your favorite phrases, how many would you find?

What are some of your favorite words that paint really vivid pictures in the mind? Jot down 5 now

Problems that arise with word choice The vocabulary is too simple, too general, too vague. It just doesn’t say anything. Problem 2: The student suffers from thesaurus-chained-to-the-desk syndrome. Learn to write for yourself Problem 3: The language is not well suited to the topic or the audience. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!

Dear Parent: We have established a special phone communication system to provide additional opportunities for parent input. During this year, we will focus on giving added emphasis to the goal of improved communication, utilizing a variety of means to accomplish this goal. Your inputs, from the unique parental perspective, can assist us in planning and implementing an educational program configured to meet the needs of your child. An open dialogue, feedback and interfacing of Information between parents and Teachers will enable us to work with your child in the most productive manner. Dr. Harold R. Smith - Principal

Don’t say dog, say cocker spaniel Don’t say dog, say cocker spaniel. Don’t say house, say cottage or vicarage, or split-level, or shack. Avoid general statements filled with lackluster parts of speech. Be concrete wherever you can. It’s not a fighter plane; it’s an F16. A mist that “curls” around a boat is more intriguing than one that simply “covers” it.

In this class there are three forbidden words: THINGS STUFF A LOT If at any time you use these in a formal piece of writing, it will be a zero grade. ** Try to stay away from “it” when you can

SENTENCE FLUENCY There should be a rhythm to your writing…a natural flow that feels smooth when you read aloud. Avoid choppy sentences, unless they are done on purpose. What affect does a choppy sentence have when used purposefully? Push to have 20 + words or more for most of your sentences.

Joe’s socks smelled really bad That is the most beautiful sunset With a partner, go through and revise the following sentences to add better word choice (try to use all 5 words that you jotted down earlier) and make each sentence at least 25 words or more Joe’s socks smelled really bad That is the most beautiful sunset This class is so boring

Now I’m going to read some different excerpts for you…jot down in your notebook the words or phrases that stick out to you. What visuals do you see?

Now read the handout on the example of “What Confuses Me” What are your thoughts on why this is a good piece of writing? Word choice? Sentence fluency Voice? Who is this writer? How does your piece compare? Now let’s peer edit your pieces!

Highlight all the strong, creative words in your piece in pink Circle any forbidden words Highlight all your pronouns blue Count each sentence and write the # above. How many were more than 25? HOMEWORK: WATCH VIDEO ON MY WEBSITE