POTENTIAL WRITING GOALS—must be measurable (meaning: you can prove you accomplished the
goal with written/textual evidence)!
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Revise for improved leads: draw the reader in for every piece
Focus each piece around one clear central idea (theme, “so what?”)
Elaborate more, using details that develop my central idea
Write effective titles (intrigue, give hints without giving away)
Write effective conclusions that clinch my argument/ make the reader think/ convey my theme
Revise writing to convey theme (central message) subtly
Revise for wordiness/ unnecessary details (deadwood)
Use transitions to guide the reader through my writing
Revise for showing (not telling) details
Revise for strong verbs and specific nouns
Use effective figurative language in all appropriate pieces
Use effective sensory language in all appropriate pieces
Use elements of sound in at least one free verse poem (more than onomatopoeia)
Use an extended metaphor in an least one free verse poem
Plan before writing (be ready to show prewriting in conference)
Examine my thoughts and feelings in my personal writing; be more honest
Experiment with alternatives when revising—write several leads, conclusions, titles, passages, examples,
etc.—then choose and work with the best
Finish more pieces of writing—push through and try not to abandon so much or so soon
Revise pieces for consistent tone
Write a piece in another persona (voice)
Use irony in at least one piece
Revise for word choice—avoid word repetition and weak words
Edit correctly for my conventions (individual editing rules) 99% of the time
Get homonyms (there/they’re/their, your/you’re, it’s/its) under control—edit correctly 95% of the time
Use advanced punctuation to give my writing greater voice (; : —)
Keep verb tense consistent—all present or all past—99% of the time
Avoid “you” and “we,” esp. in poetry and narratives—use an “I” voice
Use dialogue purposefully in at least one piece
Use dialogue rather than paraphrasing speakers
Revise to eliminate weak adverbs (qualifiers/diminishers/intensifiers): pretty/sort of/kind of/very/really/so
Revise for varied sentence length
Write at least one piece that establishes a clear mood/ tone through both content and word choice
Write a _________________________
Polish at least one prompt (take through workshop process)
Develop a believable character to use in a short story
POTENTIAL READING GOALS—must be measurable (meaning: you can prove you accomplished the
goal with written/textual evidence)!
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Time myself: how many pages do I read in 25 minutes? Try increasing the average number of pages. (You
must keep a log for this goal.)
Read a book from a hand held device (phone, kindle, tablet)
Read beyond the book. Learn about the author, why they wrote the book, does the book represent an event
in the author’s life, etc.
Don’t stick with a book I’m not enjoying. Give the book ____ pages, then abandon if I don’t like it.
Don’t abandon books so quickly—finish at least one book for every 2 abandoned
Read a longer book—at least ____ pages
Challenge myself by reading ___________________
Read at least one book from a new genre: ______________________
Read a nonfiction book
Seek out recommendations from friends, parents, teachers, librarians: Keep a “To Read” list in my binder.
Read more: at least _______ books or _______ pages
Begin to identify authors I love, and follow through with more of their books
Try new authors from genres/topics that interest me
Read a book of poetry
Read at least one book that represents a different kind of writing
Read a book about writing
Read a book about grammar and editing
Read at least one book of popular fiction that is more literary—see a parent or librarian for
recommendations
Read a classic
Read a children’s classic
Read at least one non-vampire, Clique, Harry Potter, etc., book for every vampire, Clique, HP, etc. book
read
Read at least one book that is written for adults