1. WHY WRITING IS IMPORTANT

2. 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

3. 6 TRAITS Always have your rubric with you
WORD CHOICE
SENTENCE FLUENCY
CONVENTIONS
IDEAS DEVELOPMENT
ORGANIZATION
VOICE

4. 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?

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

6. 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!

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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?

13. 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!

14. 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