Writing Process

Language Arts

Ms. Canfield

Formal Writing Steps• Prompt• Pre-write – ideas, organize• Draft - words to sentences, never rewrite• Peer Review – help • Revision (sometimes) – corrections, make it better• Peer Review - help• Final – no errors, • Peer Review• Publish (normally for a grade – to instructor)

Getting Started

• Start with a pre-write• This is to generate ideas• Then organize your ideas before starting to

write• Know what you are going to discuss before

you start writing

Pre-Write1 - Freewriting – set timer to ten minutes, then you start writing. This writing is in complete sentences. You are not to stop writing during the entire time. If you get stuck on a thought, you rewrite the previous sentence until you think of the next idea. At the end of the time, you need to read back through all of the sentences and organize them. If it is a major support, place a Capital Letter (A, B, C, etc.) above the line. If it will be a minor support, place a number above the idea (1, 2, 3, etc.)

Pre-Write2 - Brainstorming Set timer to 10 minutes Freely jot down ideas about the prompt (topic) Generate as many ideas as possible; do not analyze your ideas at this time – just write. Should be short and bullet points are okay Use words, ideas, phrases, details, etc.• At the end of the time, you need to read and organize.• If it is a major support, place a Capital Letter (A, B, C,

etc.)next to the data. If it will be a minor support, place a number next to the data (1, 2, 3, etc.)

Pre-Write3 - Clustering this is the one most often used in school. Also called webbing or mapping. - set the timer to 10 minutes - Center circle that has the main idea - relationship shapes will branch off in multiple directions, must use connector lines - each of the shapes will have a major detail written in the center of the shape - minor details are usually written on lines or in boxes directly under the major detail - this method requires less rewrite and the organization is quicker

4th Idea

3rd Idea

2nd Support

Idea

1st Support

Idea

MAINTopic

Detail about this idea

Detail about this idea You should have at least three minor supports (details) for each of your major supporting ideas.

Detail about this idea

Pre-Write4 - Asking questions this method is often used to drive research- Write the topic at the top of the page- Use the six questions to prompt what you

would like to know- Who what when- Where why how

- Questions are then turned into statements after you have found the information

Pre-Write5 - Keeping a journal - This is only done with long-term projects - usually from six weeks or more - Often used in Science or Social Studies - Used to track long-term results; daily progress; steps in experiments; or even personal growth- How the final report is written will depend on the course and what the culminating assessment requires

Basic Formal Writing Rules• Final - Notebook paper and ink only (black or blue)• Header upper right corner• Write margin to margin (red line to red line)• Write on front of paper only• Title on title line - Double space (write on every other line)• Indent first line 5 spaces to the right• NO second person (you, your, etc.)• Page number in lower right side• Do not write below the last blue line• If only writing a paragraph must do word count • Paragraph word count is 200 – 225 words

Writing Considerations• Audience: the reader, their knowledge and

background, their age and social standing• Subject: what is the assignment, large area and

you need to narrow• Purpose: why are you writing?

To explain, persuade, entertain, or a combination

• Type of composition: narrative, descriptive, illustrative, persuasive, compare & contrast, cause and effect, definition

Topic Sentence• Every paragraph• Should be first or second sentence• Must include the main idea (topic) of the

paragraph and the controlling idea. The major supports must be in the topic sentence or the next sentence.

• Topic sentence is general – no specificsEx: (1) Animal Planet is both entertaining and educational. (2) My two closest friends are similar in three ways. They love to play chess, eat pizza, and surf.

Paragraph• Topic sentence contains topic and controlling ideas• The major supports must be introduced in the first

or second sentence• Must discuss major supports in the same order

they are introduced in the support sentence• Each support needs two to three minor supports.

These are the detail sentences. • Use transitions between major supports • Word count when writing only a paragraph• WC is 200 – 225 words and recorded at end of

paragraph, next to last line, in the left margin

Paragraph to Essay

Essay

• Group of paragraphs about one subject• Introduction paragraph: opens the essay and

catches the readers interest. Must contain a thesis statement and general information about major supports

• Body (detail) paragraphs: one for each of the major supports about the topic

• Conclusion: essay to a close; let the reader know you are done; restate the thesis; writers final word on the topic persuasion must end with a call to action

Thesis Paragraph• Introduction / Thesis paragraph must include - a brief introduction

> a good or interesting hook that directly links to your claim

– The claim / main idea of your paper– Your three to four major supports for the thesis (this is how you will prove your claim)* Detail paragraphs will have the evidence for your proof

Thesis statement

• Like the topic sentence it focuses on the subject• Must clearly state, in sentence form, the writer’s

controlling idea (claim or main idea) and position• Thesis contains specific words and is not as vague

as the topic sentence • You can often rearrange the prompt to provide

an accurate thesis statement the controlling idea must be as specific

as possible

Thesis con’t

• Your major detail (support / evidence) introduction will be in the thesis paragraph, but does not have to be in the same sentence when you are writing an essay

• After you get the subject, narrow the topic to the specific idea you want to use in the thesis statement

• Write a thesis statement for the following: (1) A trip I will not forget

>always write the prompt, then the thesis

Thesis con’t.(2) Watching TV news programs has its good points.(3) The State Legislature has determined that all high

school students should wear uniforms to school. (4) In a well detailed essay identify and explain a problem

on the campus of your school(5) Pets have value to all humans.(6) All adults should register and vote(7) Consequences of skipping classes at college(8) Senioritis has been identified as the primary reason

why many high school seniors fail to graduate. (9) A local tourist attraction(10) How you chose your major or career path

• Seniors will do this next part using Evergreen• Unit 3• Partner/Presentations

Types of Paragraphs/Essays1 – Illustration: to explain a general statement by means of one or more specific examples2- Narration – tell a story3 – Description – use the five senses and vivid details4 – Compare and Contrast – same and different5 – Cause and Effect – event and result6 – Persuasion – to convince someone to take the side of the writer (Most often used in school)

• Complete your draft• No talking- Pride in your ancestors and

their culture. How do you honor heritage – food, music, clothing, rituals.

Complete

• If necessary you have until the timer is complete to finish your revision.

• No talking, just writing

Basic Peer Review1 – visual: header, title, margin to margin, indent of paragraph, double spaced, ink, front only 2 –Scan for 2nd person3 – peer review sign after last line4 – locate thesis statement and supports in introduction paragraph (1st sentence a hook)5 – Must have topic sentence in each paragraph6 – proper sentence structure and syntax needed

Peer Review • Comp book and checking pen• Open to your 3 items draft• Make sure you have draft and date documented

at top of page1) 7 quick checks2) Thesis statement and three major supports

MUST be in the opening paragraph3) Check each topic sentence for each paragraph4) Clear, concise, syntax, 5) Sign, feedback – BE ON TIME!

Peer ReviewVISUAL CHECK FIRST: - header - indentation - title - ink only - margin to margin - word count at end - double space - SCAN for 2nd person ** under last written line – Peer Reviewed by: your name and dateREAD:> CLAIM must be clear and well thought out> Major supports – on topic and do they support> Topic sentence in each paragraph > Then make sure all major supports in correct order > Help with grammar, spelling, and syntax

E4 – Timed Write• I suggest you start immediately – NO TALKING!• Notebook paper 4-7 pages with header• You need one page for prewrite, one page for

the outline, and then essay pages (2- 5)• Prompt: You are to write a descriptive essay.

Think of one person (or group) that we (society) should always be nice to. Describe the person/group and explain why they deserve to be respected.

[you cannot discuss the Pizza Dude]

RT Essay Check• First two sentences, must have complete

thesis sentence – – position of agree or disagree– attachment stronger to peer group than to family

• Write a T in the left margin and an “S” for strong “W” for weak (ie: TS or TW)

• Find the three major supports – next one to two sentences. Place a small number over the support ( 1, 2, 3).

• Is it a concise and complete paragraph?

Peer RT Essay Check

• Starting with your 2nd paragraph (your first body paragraph)

• You will do the following with sentence #3 That will be the third sentence in your second paragraph. – Underline all your nouns– Circle all your verbs– Put your prepositional phrases in parenthesis (above

…)– Write adj. over any adjective and adv. over any

adverb

• Check the tense agreement for subject and verb

• Now – complete each of the steps for one sentence at a time. A sentence is defined by the end punctuation.

• Sentence #1 (yes, back up a little) then # 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, and the last two sentences in your paper– Underline all your nouns– Circle all your verbs– Put your prepositional phrases in parenthesis (above

…)– Write adj. over any adjective and adv. over any

adverb– Check the tense agreement for the subject & verb

Writing Letters

Friendly Letter Writing

• Letters can come from near or far• From family members you have not seen for

awhile• From Military personnel• From a pen pal, best friend, cousin, etc.• Letters tend to pull a family closer• Text and emails are faster, but letters are more

personal and appreciated

Parts of a Friendly Letter

1 – Header: address (necessary) and date2- Salutation: the hello, usually begins with “Dear…”3- Body: thoughts and ideas a - introduction – general how are you b - body - what you want to say or know c – last is wrap up and ask questions 4- Closing –say good-by – Love, Your Friend, etc5- Signature – must be cursive

Friendly Letter• Prewrite: same as any writing, gather a few

thoughts, clear purpose statement Name of who you are writing to is the Center Ideas – questions or information

Share – what is happening or a good story Response – if you are responding to them, make sure you answer their questions-- Much shorter than an essay prewrite

Friendly Letter• Final {we do not normally write multiple times}

– Turn it into sentences and paragraphs– Use the letter format– Write as though you are face-to-face with your

friend or relative– Keep it friendly– Paragraphs should be short

Friendly Letter Assignment

You are to write a letter to one of your relatives that you have not seen in a long time.[Generally, it should be someone you have not communicated with in over 6 months] Completed letter is due in class on Wednesday.

Writing Business Letters

Business Letter • A business letter incorporates many elements of

persuasive writing.• Parts of a business letter:1 – Header: must include address of the writer and date2- Inside Address: identifies where and to whom the letter is being sent. Direct correspondence to a specific person by name. 3- Salutation: the hello and must be professional “Dear Mr. Johnston” “Dear Ms. Jones” “Dear Sir or Madam” – if you are unsure of

Business Letter • Parts of a business letter con’t:4- Body: contains the central message of the letter a - introduction – thesis / main issue and why b - body - what you want to say or know c – last is wrap up and ask for meeting if necessary5- Closing – appropriate to the audience “Respectfully yours,” “Sincerely,” 6- Signature – must be cursive and handwritten

Types of business letters• Letter of request: to gain information about

schools, employment, products, or services– Sometimes used to gather information

• Ordering Products: if no order form available, write a letter and include all information with product number, style, color, price, tax, etc.

• Complaint or adjustment: Begin by stating the purpose, describe the product, clearly identify the problem, and explain what action you would like the company to take to resolve your complaint.

Types of business letters• Appreciation: Begin by stating the purpose, describe

the product, clearly identify why you are pleased with the product or service

• Letters of Opinion: usually about current events or public issues and may recommend a specific course of action. Identify clearly your topic and point of view. Briefly state your main points, support with factual evidence, maintain a professional and reasonable tone.

• Most business letters are three to four paragraphs

6305 116th Ave, N. Largo, Fl 33773

Jason Woemack, Service ManagerWoemack Motors467 Main StreetMobile, Al 36601

March 25, 2015

Subject: office painting project

Dear Mr. Womack:

The paint job performed…..

Sincerely, {leave room for your cursive signature}Cynthia Lyons

Characteristics of effective letters• Your message:

- state your purpose simply and concisely– Provide information or details necessary for the

purpose of the letter– Conclude by asking reader to take whatever action

is necessary to accomplish your purpose• Tone:

– This will convey the kind of person you are– Show that you are considerate and sincere– Use simple, straightforward language– Be positive and state what you have already done to

solve the issue

Business Letter #1You have identified an area of concern at your high school and you are to write a letter of opinion to the principal. Make sure you clearly identify the issue, the cause, your concern, your recommendation.

Mr. John Johnston, PrincipalPinellas Park High School6305 118th Avenue, NLargo, Fl 33773

Letter Peer ReviewSame process as other text peer review1 – visual: what are the seven items2 – not necessary to scan for 2nd person in a friendly letter, this is acceptable3 – sign the bottom4 – still need thesis and topic sentences5 – proper sentence structure and syntax Needed6 – reviewer to initial in the left margin

2nd Friendly Letter Assignment

You are to write a “thank-you” letter to a relative.

This can be for something they have done to help you be successful, or something they have given you that is very special. Pre-write before you start to write

3rd Friendly Letter Assignment

You are to write a “thank-you” letter to a member of the PPHS school staff. This is for something they have done to

help you. This person must still be here at our school.

4th Friendly Letter Assignment

Write a letter to your best friend. Keep it school appropriate.

Complete

• If necessary you have until the timer is complete to write your draft.

• No talking, just writing

• http://www.writescore.com • Click “log-in” in top right corner• Type in your name, your student ID number• Teacher: Canfield• If requested the Teacher code: 1591• Select test by your grade level• Read instructions• NO TALKING – NO SHARING• Be Patient – there is a great deal of testing

today