ELA

When You Reach Me
Novel Study

Editing your Persuasive Essay
1) Check for spelling: are there any words you're not sure about? 
2) Check for punctuation: does each sentence end with correct punctuation? Did I correctly use commas? 
3) Check for organization: does every sentence make sense? Did I use words that are boring or did I use juicy words?
4) Check for capitalization: did I capitalize I every time? Does each sentence start with a capital? Are proper names and places capitalized?
5) Check for legibility: is my writing easily read?  

 
Questions for Revising your Persuasive Essay
*Did I choose an attention-grabbing title for my essay?
*Is my essay structured in five distinct paragraphs?
*Does my essay stay on one specific topic?
*Does my essay contain a strong introduction that grabs the reader's attention and presents my point of view?
*Does my essay include three different reasons to support my opinion?
*Does each of my reasons include details, facts or examples to fully support my thinking? 
*Are the reasons different enough?
*Does my essay progress in a logical order?
*Does my essay have ideas that flow smoothly?
*Does my essay contain juicy words that make my writing interesting?
*Does my essay end with a complete conclusion?
*Am I proud of my writing?


See - Think - Wonder


How to write a first draft of a persuasive essay

Step 1: Choose an interesting title to grab your reader`s attention.




Step 2: Write an introduction. Grab your reader's attention with an engaging hook. Then present your opinion.
















Step 3: Start a new paragraph with transition words and present your first reason. Be sure to explain your thinking.


Step 4: Start a new paragraph with transition words and present your second reason. Be sure to explain your thinking.




Step 5: Start a new paragraph with transition words and present your third reason. Be sure to explain your thinking.


Step 6: Start a new paragraph with transition words and present your conclusion. Try to end your text in an interesting way.


***REMEMBER: THIS IS A FIRST DRAFT! IT DOES NOT NEED TO BE PERFECT!***



How to write a first draft 
using the Double OREO graphic organizer

Step 1: Choose a transition word and write down your opinion.

 


















Step 2: Continue your paragraph by choosing transition words and giving your first reason. Be sure to explain your reason with details.

 


















Step 3: Start a new paragraph. Choose your transition words and give your second reason. Be sure to explain your reason with details.

 
Step 4: Finish your second paragraph by restating your opinion. Use transition words and give your opinion in different words than you used at the beginning.

 Remember - this writing doesn't need to be perfect! It's a first draft! If we were going to publish it, we would revise and edit. 
The components of a book review:

*Introduction (to grab the reader's attention)
*Title and author
*Summary (a short retell of the plot, without any spoilers)
*Opinions (what you thought of the novel. Be sure to add justification and detail)
*Recommendations (who should read this book)

Questions to Evaluate Fiction
[You want to carefully consider the book you are reviewing.
 Is it a good book? Why? 
Use these questions to guide your reflection.]
*Is the plot engaging and interesting?
*Is the plot believable?
*Are the characters well-developed? 
*Are the characters relatable?
*Is the dialogue between characters natural and believable?
*Is the theme appropriate for the audience?
*Is it a book worth reading?
*Are there any red flags to mention?

Questions for Revision
*Does my writing stay on topic?
*Does my writing contain a strong lead or hook?
*Does my writing include details, reasons, facts and examples to support my thinking?
*Does my writing progress in logical order and make sense?
*Does my writing have ideas that flow smoothly?
*Does my writing contain juicy words that make my writing interesting?
*Does my writing contain a variety of thoughts that are clear and easy to understand?




REMEMBER: Idioms are well-known phrases that mean something different from what the words actually say.

Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
written by Justin McCory Martin

 Hi there, I'm Darla B. Dazzle. The big school talent show is about to begin and I'm super-excited. This year I'm going to roller-skate while I sing. I'd like to see someone top that!
The first act is a gymnast named Polly Prattle. She's walking on her hands. Wow, that's pretty impressive! But Polly is chasing rainbows if she thinks she can beat me. I'm feeling good. I'm not even a tiny bit nervous. I'll just chill out until it's my turn.
Here comes the second act. It's the Thompson triplets' marching band. I don't mean to rain on their parade, but they don't stand a chance against yours truly. I'm feeling great! No one in this show can possible have a better act than mine. I have it made in the shade.
Look who's on stage now. Gabby Gates plays the violin every year. She's not bad, but she never wins. And with me on the scene, I don't think she'll break her dry spell today. I'm feeling fantastic! C'mon, tell the truth. How often does someone have an act as special as mine? Maybe once in a blue moon?
Check out Colin Chen. He's dancing up a storm. His is the best act yet, but he still can't compete with the one and only Darla B. Dazzle. I'm feeling pretty fantastic! Let me up on that stage. I'm going to blow everyone away. 
Wait, another act has just been announced. It's the new girl in my class - Amber Appleton. Wow, this is a bolt out of the blue! I wonder what she is going to do. I can't believe it! She is roller-skating and singing and juggling. Egads! Amber has stolen my thunder!
I have to admit, Amber was totally awesome. Now, it's my turn. How can I possible compete with her act? I don't have the foggiest. Still, I'll give it a try. Here goes... Well, as you may have guessed, Amber won the talent show. But every cloud has a silver lining. She just asked me to perform with her next year - and she's going to teach me how to juggle! Think about it: the two of us roller-skating and singing and juggling. I'd like to see someone top that!
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