Getting it “Write” planning your answers to writing prompts Write Tools 101 lessons Prepared by Cathleen Lykens

Carefully Read and analyze the prompt What is your topic—summarize in a few words Who is your audience? Key Words What type of writing is required? How long should your answer be? How many “Big Ideas” need to be included?

Some text types

Brainstorm Big Idea Big Idea Big Idea Big Idea

Pick a plan Number Notes T-Chart Topic Big Idea Topic Supporting Detail Supporting Detail Big Idea Supporting Detail Supporting Detail Big Idea Big Idea Supporting Detail Supporting Detail Supporting Detail Big Idea Topic Supporting Detail Supporting Detail Topic

Create a Topic Sentence Simple declarative sentence Number Statement Situation, stance…a specialized complex sentence. Question

Practice Time---Analyze the prompt T=Topic An activity I enjoy or An activity I want to try A= Audience My teacher K= Key Words Essay Describes Details and Examples

Brainstorm Draw cartoons Rock wall climbing Fishing Decorate cakes

Choose to keep or release Brainstorm Get equipment Remove the hook Cast the line Choose to keep or release Fishing Be patient Watch the bobber Set the hook Bait the hook Reel in the fish

Pick a Plan—Number Notes T= Fishing 1. Get equipment 2. Rod and Reel 2. Bait 2. Hooks and lures 1. Bait the hook 2. Choose a lure, worm or other bait 2. Securely attach to the line or hook 1. Cast the line 2. press the release as you swing the rod in a smooth arc over your head. 2. Remember to reel in a small amount to line to pop the release and provide tension.

Pick a Plan—Number Notes Continued… 1. Be patient 2. Sit still and wait. Excessive movement may frighten the fish 1. Watch the bobber. 2. When a fish takes the bait, the bobber will dip slightly or be pulled under the water 1. Set the Hook 2. Pull back in a short sharp movement to keep the fish on the line Reel in the fish 1. Remove the hook 1. Choose whether to keep or release the fish.

Create a Topic Sentence Pick an opening and concluding sentence. Closing—restate the topic. Simple declarative sentence Number Statement Fishing is a fun and relaxing activity. Of all of the activities I enjoy, fishing is my favorite. Opening topic sentence Situation, stance…a specialized complex sentence. Question What can be a better way to spend an afternoon than fishing? Nothing. Whenever I find a few moments to myself, I like to go fishing.

The black text phrases and sentences are transitions The black text phrases and sentences are transitions. They tie the big ideas, details and topic together. Draft What can be a better way to spend an afternoon than fishing? Nothing. If you would like to try this fun and relaxing activity, you first have to get the proper equipment. You will need a Rod and reel, hooks, some bait like worms or minnows, or a lure. If you have a friend or parent who fishes, you may find these items in their tackle box. Now it is time to bait the hook. Choose a lure, worm or other bait and securely attach to the line or hook. The next step is to cast the line. press the release button on the bottom of the reel as you swing the rod in a smooth arc over your head. Remember to reel in a small amount to line to pop the release and provide tension. Once your line is in the water, you must be patient. Sit still and wait. Excessive movement may frighten the fish. While you wait, Watch the bobber. When a fish takes the bait, the bobber will dip slightly or be pulled under the water. If your bobber signals that a fish has taken the bait, set the hook. Pull back in a short sharp movement to keep the fish on the line. If you have successfully hooked a fish, reel it in. and remove the hook. Congratulations, you have caught one, but what do you do now? Do you want a meal or have you just had fun outsmarting a fish? Whether to keep or release your catch, Fishing is a fun and relaxing activity.

Revise, edit and publish Look over your drafted paragraph. Does it read smoothly? Do you need more transitions? Check for CUPS C=Captialization errors U=Usage errors P= Punctuation errors S= Spelling errors Now rewrite your finished piece.