Ready Writing
Basics of Ready Writing
- You will have the choice of two prompts
- "Usually" prompts are for writing that explains (expository) but can also be narration (telling a story) or persuasion.
- Time Limits are 45 minutes (3rd & 4th grades), 60 minutes (5th & 6th grades) or 90 minutes (7th & 8th grades)
- You must bring your OWN paper, pencils, pens and/or erasers
Judging
1) INTEREST-(50%) This is the most important area and most heavily weighted. You wrote something that is worth saying, you wrote it clearly and you included many details and examples to individualize your composition.
2) ORGANIZATION-(35%) You writing is well planned out in a logical order and stays on the topic to fully develop your main idea or thesis.
3) CORRECTNESS OF STYLE- (15%) This includes the mechanics of sentence structure, punctuation, grammar and word choice. It is most important that errors in these mechanics do not hinder clear communication.
Today's practice will focus on INTEREST
Judges = Fish & Intro = Hook
Introduction
A strong introduction will capture the interest of the reader. It is important to hook your readers early by getting to the point, the thesis, and to avoid rambling or "chit-chatting."
Here are some examples of types of "hooks" you can use to open your paper.
BODY
1. Transitions – uses words and phrases to move smoothly between ideas
2. Documentation – giving quotations (direct or paraphrased), facts or personal experiences to support ideas.
3. Vocabulary – Using an interesting variety of words without confusing the reader or being pretentious.
4. Voice - expresses point of view with a unique tone and style that makes the piece sound human
Conclusion
Practice 2
Today's practice will focus on ORGANIZATION (35% of score)
- a central/main idea (thesis)
- a logical order
- smooth transitions
- supporting evidence
- attention to the audience
YOU try it!
- Choose one of your two prompts
- Choose a prewriting method to help ORGANIZE your thoughts
- Prewrite
- Start drafting
- SHARE! :)