02.03.2011WRITER’S WORKSHOP

Warm-up: “Vocab Journal #1”

Write a journal entry using as many of this week’s vocab words as you can. (You may not simply list every word.)

Vocab review

Revere

Some people choose to _____ God by going to church on Sundays.

Obscure

The part of this iceberg that is underwater is _____ because it cannot be seen from the surface.

Indifferent

This woman is _____ to the homeless man; she clearly isn’t paying attention to him.

Apathy

This cloud is showing _____ because it doesn’t care.

Objective

When they do experiments, these scientists must be _____ and not let their personal opinions influence their observations.

Impartial

Judge Judy is _____ because she always makes fair decisions.

Innovate

The first iPod _____(d) the MP3 player market because it was completely new and creative.

Relevant

The topics of the UNC Tar Heels and being a champion are definitely _____ because they are so closely related.

Discriminate

It’s tough to _____ between these two twins since they look so similar.

Denounce

These people are using a protest to _____ racism.

[ Mini-lesson ]

The Definition Essay

What is it?

A definition essay takes an abstract idea (e.g. freedom, justice, truth), states what that idea means (beyond the dictionary definition), and supports that meaning with details and evidence, often based on the author’s personal experience.

Directions, part 1

For each word below, list at least five (5) details that relate to each word and/or help explain it. happiness fairness freedom

Based on your details, complete the following sentence to define each word: “(Happiness/fairness/freedom) is ______________________________ .”

Directions, part 2

Come up with one example (from your own life or somewhere else) that supports the definition you created and explain your choice.

Topic choices

Humanity Integrity Honesty Love Maturity Family Good Evil Happiness Fairness

Failure Home Talent Creativity Prejudice Winning Losing Loyalty Friendship Freedom

Guiding questions

Consider different ways to describe the term you’re defining.

What sorts of examples would best illustrate it? What connotations are associated with this word? What is the denotation of the word? What synonyms/antonyms describe this word?

Guiding questions (cont.)

What steps (if any) are involved with this word? What conditions/circumstances might cause this

word? What kind(s) of conflict might the word involve? What is it similar to (or different from)? What metaphor/simile could be used to describe

this term?

adapted from a lesson by Melissa Noel (http://www.successlink.org/GTI/lesson_unit-viewer.asp?lid=7990).

Protected writing time

Work options

Prewriting (brainstorming, then mapping) Drafting Revising & Editing (if you get that far) Check in with Mr. Smith after every stage NO TALKING

Homework

For tonight:

Study vocab list 01 – QUIZ TOMORROW