Reflecting on Reflecting on ChangeChange

Writing SituationWriting SituationAge has a funny way of making changes. It is probably easy for you to look back and see that you and your friends have made some major changes since you left the elementary grades. Your teachers and friends may be different, your school may be different, and some of your interests are probably different.

Think back to fourth grade and describe how school life has changed for you as a eighth grader.

What are some senses words What are some senses words you might use in your essay?you might use in your essay?

Directions for Directions for WritingWritingWrite a 5 paragraph essay about how school life has changed for you since fourth grade. Support your ideas with examples and details.

Fold your Fold your paper into paper into 4 squares.4 squares.

Unfold the paper and draw a box in the center. In the center box write a topic sentence to restate the prompt.

Write your topic sentence here.

Write your topic sentence here.

Tell one way school life has changed.

Write your topic sentence here.

Tell another way school life has changed.

Write your topic sentence here.

Tell another way school life has changed.

Write your topic sentence here.

Restate the 3 ways school life has changed.

Write your topic sentence here.

Now list 3 details about this idea:•___________•___________•___________

Write your topic sentence here.

Now list 3 details about this idea:•___________•___________•___________

Write your topic sentence here.

Now list 3 details about this idea:•___________•___________•___________

Write your topic sentence here.

For example, Moreover,

In other words,

For these reasons,

Add Transitions

A list of transition words is online!

Write your topic sentence here.

Now list 3 details about this idea:•___________•___________•___________

ELABORATE on one detail.

Write your topic sentence here.

Now list 3 details about this idea:•___________•___________•___________

ELABORATE on one detail.

Write your topic sentence here.

Now list 3 details about this idea:•___________•___________•___________

ELABORATE on one detail.

From the graphic organizer to From the graphic organizer to the paper.the paper.The introductory paragraph (the center box) restates each reason.

From the graphic organizer to From the graphic organizer to the paper.the paper.Begin the introductory paragraph with a hook. Samples of hooks can be found online.

The HookThe Hook

To catch the reader, use a hook in the To catch the reader, use a hook in the introductory paragraph.introductory paragraph.

Tell a brief, related story Tell a brief, related story (anecdote/narrative hook).(anecdote/narrative hook).

Use a quote.Use a quote.

Tell the who, what, where, when, why (news).Tell the who, what, where, when, why (news).

Use a tongue twisterUse a tongue twister

Ask a questionAsk a question

Each square will become

a paragraph.

End it with a PUNCH!End it with a PUNCH!

VocabularyVocabulary

BEFORE:One of the biggest changes is the hard homework.

AFTER:One of the chief changes is the complicated homework.

VocabularyVocabularyRemember: The more sophisticated vocabulary you use…the higher your score.

bad

dreadful

VocabularyVocabulary Use metaphors and similes to give your essay more visual expression.

The changes have been as surprising as a fresh snowfall on a school day morning.

Reread your work to make sure you have:

Stayed on the topic

Given your reasons in the introductory paragraph

Have paragraphs that support each reason

Reread your work to make sure you have:Elaborate on a reason in each paragraph

Have a summary paragraph that restates your reasons

Begin each paragraph with a transition word

Include adjectives, adverbs, similes, and metaphors