The Writing Traits How to develop an effective composition

Focus and Coherence Focused on topic Well-chosen details Smooth transitions

A focused and coherent paragraph A focused and coherent paragraph At first, Maria had no idea what to do for a community service project. Then, it came to her. She would volunteer to help first graders. After talking with Ms. Ortiz, the teacher who had taught her to read, they had a plan. Maria would visit Ms. Ortiz’s first grade class once a week on the day her own classes ended early. She would read aloud the books she most enjoyed when she was in first grade. After the very first visit, Maria knew her plan was a success. The first graders pleaded with her to come back soon, and Maria finally felt the thrill of being truly useful.

Focused on the topic? Q: Which of the characters do you suspect the most? Why? A: Vera Claythorne is guilty of killing Cyril Hamilton. Vera stopped swimming fast once she knew she couldn’t save him. Cyril drowned, it was Veras job to stop him from swimming out to sea.

Well-chosen details? Q: Which of the characters do you suspect the most? Why? A: I suspect Emily Brent the most. If she was holy and lived by the book then why did she get pregnant? She is also the only one in the group who didn’t admit their crime.

Smooth transitions? Q: Which of the Characters do you suspect the most? Why? A: William Blore is a detective. He killed someone and got away with it. He lies about his name at first.

Organization Obvious plan Clear sequence Strong transitions

Graphic Organizers Literary Expository/ Persuasive Exposition Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution Introduction Support Conclusion

Transition Words Addition Ex: furthermore, also, next, again, besides Time Ex: while, after, during, next, meanwhile Cause/Effect Ex: because of, since, for that reason, therefore Comparison/Contrast Ex: likewise, though, however, but, on the other hand Qualification Ex: almost, never, perhaps, maybe Intensification Ex: indeed, of course, without doubt, surely, in fact

Development of Ideas Depth of thought Connections between ideas Unique perspective

Sound Devices Alliteration Definition: consonant sounds at the beginning of words EX: Bees buzzed by both bouquets. Assonance Defintion: vowel sounds in words EX: My kite flew high into the sky. Consonance Defintion: consonant sounds in or at the end of words EX: Each coach teaches touch football after lunch. Rhyme

Literary Devices Simile Metaphor Allusion Personification