WRITING TRAITS and PROCESS

IDEAS (focus) 

1) What is the key to good writing?

a well-chosen topic or main idea

2) What makes a writing topic good?

the right amount of information

3) How should I write about a topic?

have a clear focus - identify a certain part of a topic or a feeling you have about it – TOPIC SENTENCE (subject + main point = topic sentence   EXAMPLE: One of the hardest things I have ever had to do was conquer my fear of roller coasters.)

4) How can I use details to hold a reader's interest?

• • facts             

  • statistics              

  • examples                     

  • thoughts/feelings

Organization

 BEGINNING HOOK + INTRODUCTION

1) How can I write a strong beginning (Hook)?

• interesting information

• surprising statement

• ask a question

• share a brief story about the topic

Listen for how the author tries to catch your interest below:

The big day had arrived. After waiting and counting the days, we were finally on our way. My family and my uncle's family were going to Cedar Point Amusement Park for the very first time. As we went along I named all the rides I was going to go on. I was not scared at all. That was before we actually got there and could see all those rides. Little did I know how scared I would be later that day.

Organization - MIDDLE 

How can I organize details in the middle part?

• descriptive - organize details by location

• narrative - organize details chronologically

• persuasive - organize details by order of importance

• expository - organize details by logical order or categories

Middle: listen and watch for how the middle is organized. Watch for details.

When we finally got to Cedar Point, the first thing I saw was the huge hill of the Magnum, the tallest roller coaster ever. I said there was no way I was going on that. My dad told me not to be afraid because he would go with me. That made me feel better about it and we entered the park. The first thing we all went on was the Bluestreak, the first roller coaster built at the park. When I got off I thought it was so awesome. I wanted to go on all the rides now.

That is until we came to the Corkscrew, a ride that twisted over and over as its name suggests. No way was I going to go on a ride that went upside down like that one. Everyone started to get in line, except for my aunt, so I stayed behind with her. When the ride ended everyone got off. Since the line was short they decided to go again. They called for me to go, but I was too afraid. I wanted to go on, but my fears got the best of me. They held me back. I told them to go on without me. After the ride ended again, they came down the stairs and got back in line. This time I got in line. When I got to where I was supposed to get on, I let my fear of falling out get the best of me again. I got out of line, and I did not get on. 

The next time they came down and got in line, my dad stayed behind. He took me aside and told me that the ride was very safe and if it wasn't he would not want me to go on. My father told me that if I did not go I would be sad and depressed after we got home. I knew he was right about everything. Trusting him, I went on. When I got off that ride I was so glad I had listened to my dad and trusted him. In fact, I liked the Corkscrew so much that I went on it about five times after that and enjoyed it every time.

Organization - END 

How can I write a strong ending?

• Remind the reader of the focus/topic

• Review the main points

• Emphasize the importance of one of the topics

• Keep them thinking about the topic

Ending: Listen and watch for how the author wraps everything up. 

That day my dad taught me something that I will never forget. He may not realize it, but he taught me to conquer my fears. I am no longer afraid of any roller coaster. In fact, later that day we did ride the Magnum. At the time, it had the highest hill in any roller coaster- almost 300 feet! I now look forward to visiting Cedar Point every year. I go on every ride I can, and I never forget the Corkscrew.

Voice

Voice gives writing energy and life.

1) How can I write with voice?

• Be interested in your topic and let your excitement show in your words.

2) How can my writing sound more natural?

• Keep a personal journal

• "Talk" to friends and relatives in friendly letters and e-mail messages

• Begin your writing assignments by freely recording your thoughts about your topic

Word Choice  

What are the most important words?

• Specific nouns

• Specific action verbs

• Descriptive adjectives, adverbs, and prepositional phrases

Sentence Fluency 

1) What does it mean to write fluent sentences?

• Sentences should flow smoothly from one to the next and follow these guidelines:

  • Every sentence is important

  • A reader can easily follow the ideas

  • Short, choppy sentences have been combined to read smoothly

  • Transition words connect the ideas

2) How can I improve my style?

• Combine choppy sentences into longer, smoother ones

Conventions 

1) How do I make sure my writing follows the rules?

• Punctuation - end marks, commas used correctly, apostrophes to show possession

• Capitalization - Do my sentences start with capitals? Are proper nouns and names capitalized?

• Spelling - Have a checked my spelling? Use a dictionary to check if needed. 

Grammar -

• Did I use the correct verb forms?

• Do my subjects and verbs agree in number?

• Did I use the right words?

• Does it make sense?