Expository Writing 4/22 – 4/26

 

Monday

 

1. Journal: none
2. Language of the Day #43: Vocabulary

3. Reader Workshop
    a. Read all of Chapter 5 in their books. 

    b. Complete Q’s 1-6, p. 73.

    c. Turn in when done.

   

Tuesday

 

1. Journal: If you could choose one person to really get to know – from any time period – who would it be?  Why?  What would you like to know about him/her?  Why?  Jot down a list of questions you would like to ask.
2. Language of the Day #44: Vocabulary

3. Writer Workshop: The Character Sketch - Prewriting
    a. As you obviously picked up from yesterday’s assignment, we are now going to try our hand at a character sketch.  This is a nice departure from what we have been doing in that we get to pick our subjects more subjectively and we get to write about our subject more descriptively.

    b. The Key to a Good Character Sketch: distinguishing characteristics reveals through vivid, specific examples

        1) Discuss journal: Who would you want to know?  What would you ask them?

        2) Do your questions reveal the person’s unique qualities?  Do they reveal character through vivid, specific examples?

    c. Prewriting: Choose your person and Establish your purpose

        1) p. 75: Select someone who has impressed you or who has made a difference in your life in some way

        2) p. 75: Write about someone whose characteristics would interest your audience.

        3) p. 82 Consider those possible topics for even more ideas.

        4) Consider your purpose: review list of purposes on p. 70.

        5) Generate a list of possible subjects for your Character Sketch – select the one for tomorrow.

4. Turn in Q’s 1-6, p. 73 if you haven’t already; have late work checked.

5. HW: Review “Guidelines for a Successful Character Sketch” pp. 73-74.

Wednesday

 

1. Journal: none
2. Language of the Day #45: Vocabulary

3. Writer Workshop: The Character Sketch – Prewriting and drafting
    a. As you saw in the “Guidelines for a Successful Character Sketch” pp. 73-74, specific stories and examples are key to developing your character fully.

    b. To that end, we are going to do a series of three prewriting timed writings.  This is another common prewriting strategy – give it a try and see if it works for you.

    c. Begin drafting your Character Sketch.  You will be given all period tomorrow to draft as well.

4. HW: Read “A Published Model, ‘A Vision of Daffodils’” pp. 79-81.  Do Q’s 1-6, p. 81.

Thursday

 

1. Journal: Describe your best friend in a positive way.  Then, describe him/her in a negative way.  Adjust tone and content as needed.
2. Language of the Day #46: Vocabulary

3. Writer Workshop: The Character Sketch - drafting
    a. Work on your RD throughout the period: due tomorrow.

    b. If you do finish your RD, go ahead and begin your own revisions. 

        1) Work on vocabulary and consistent tone.

        2) Be sure you have specific examples: look at “Revising Strategy: Make Sure Incidents Emphasize Character Traits” (pp. 77-78) to see how this can be done well.

4. Turn in Q’s 1-6 p. 81.

Friday

 

1. Journal: none
2. Language of the Day #47: Vocabulary

3. Writer Workshop: The Character Sketch – peer reading and revision
    a. Exchange essays and complete the peer reading questions on pp. 78-79.  Do NOT simply answer questions yes or no – give a sentence or two of supporting detail or just plain commentary.

    b. Peer readers have peer reading and rough drafts checked before giving both to the author.

    c. Complete revisions of your Character Sketch for next Tuesday: SRD due.

4. Reminders:

    a. Vocab Quiz Tuesday.

    b. Enrichment 3 is due next Friday.