1. Building an SOL Writing Notebook
My SOL Writing Notebook
Building an SOL Writing Notebook

2. Before You Start
You will need a composition notebook. For 6th and 7th grade, any number of pages will do. For 8th -11th grade, you will need a 100 page, college-ruled book.
100 Sheets
College Ruled

3. Step by Step Instructions

4. Front Cover
On the outside cover, write your first and last name in Sharpie.
Sara Smith
SOL Writing

5. Inside Cover
Glue or tape the POWER template to the inside cover and the essay template to the right-hand page. Number the left side with 1 and the right side with 2. Label as shown.
POWER
Essay Template 2

6. Pages 3 and 4
Glue or tape the 4-Square template to the left-hand page and the transition words handout to the right-hand page. Number the left side with 3 and the right side with 4. Label as shown.
4-Square
Transitions 4

7. Prompt Model Pages
This page will serve as a model for all of your other prompt practice pages. You will glue or tape Prompt #1 in the upper margin of the left-hand page. Label the left and right pages as shown.
Prompt Practice Left Side 5
Right Side Possibilities
Complete a planning template for the prompt.
Practice a body paragraph using POWER or 2nd POWER format.
Practice writing an introduction (Hook, Bridge, Thesis)
Practice writing a conclusion (Revisit, Importance, Clincher/Call to Action.
Complete a RAFT
ROLE
AUDIENCE
FORMAT
PURPOSE
Draw a picture to help you better understand the prompt.
This side is teacher/student directed
May not be required to complete for every prompt.
Restate:
Thesis:
2-3 body paragraph ideas:
Follow this format for every prompt.

8. Prompt Practice Pages
Depending on your grade, the next pages will be prompts to tape or glue into your book. You should place one NUMBERED prompt on the upper margin of the left-hand page. Please make sure you or your teacher has numbered the prompts so you can easily reference them for feedback, help, classwork, or discussion. 2

9. Center Point Pages
Find the center point of your book. There should be a natural opening to it. Make it stand out. You could glue or tape a piece of construction paper or colored paper to it. Label it as shown.
Grammar, Usage, Mechanics, Spelling,
and Multiple Choice Practice

10. Inside Back Cover
You will need to TAPE any Writer’s Checklists your teacher gives you to the inside back page. Tape only where the blue line is IF your page has a back to it. You will need to neatly fold your paper where the red line is so it will be contained within the notebook.

11. YOU FINISHED!