Writing Workshop 1: Informative Text Number:________________________ Period__
Due Date: Friday, September 27
My Total Score for my Descriptive Essay ________ / 100
Format Possible Points
Heading at top right with student #, date, and period 3 ____
Title underlined and centered below the heading 2 ____
Typed, double spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman 10 ____
Introductory paragraph with hook and topic (5-7 sentences) 5 ____
At least 3 body paragraphs (5-7 sentences each)
Concluding paragraph (5-7 sentences)
15 ____
5 ____
Six Traits (1-3 points = weak, 4-6 points = average, 7-9 points = strong, 10 points = amazing)
Ideas ____
 main impression of the topic is clear
 uses sensory details effectively
Organization ____
 an organizational plan is clearly used
 transition words are used
Voice ____
 shows that the writer is truly interested in the topic
 style of writing conveys meaning and purpose
Original word choice ____
 contains powerful verbs to create a mood or atmosphere
 uses strong and descriptive words to create vivid images
Sentence fluency ____
 flows smoothly from one idea to the next
 uses a variety of sentence structures and sentence lengths
Conventions ____
 contains no more than 2-3 minor errors in grammar and usage
 contains no more than 2-3 minor errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY REFLECTION (to complete after graded)
I scored the most points on_______________________(Format, Traits)
I scored the least points on_______________________ (Format, Traits)
The trait I scored best on was
__________________________________________________________________
The trait I scored the worst on was
______________________________________________________________
I can do better next time by_______________________________________________________________________

Your objective is to write a descriptive essay about a place or an event that is meaningful to you.
Your essay should feature these elements:
 vivid sensory details to appeal to the five senses
 a main impression supported by each detail
 clear, consistent organization
 links between details and the feelings or thoughts they inspire
 effective transitions
 error-free writing, including correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar
Prewriting/Planning : p. 92
Cubing to gather details:
1. Describe it
2. Associate it
3. Apply it
4. Analyze it
5. Compare and Contrast it
6. Argue for or against it
Drafting: p.93-94

Voice: p. 93
-Consider your purpose and audience
-Determine your style of writing
-Ask yourself the questions on the bottom of page 93

Organization: p. 94
-Choose an organizational plan:

Spatial Order

Chronological Order

Order of Importance
Revising: p 94
Organization – add transition words
Word Choice – use a thesaurus to be more precise and descriptive
Student Model : p. 96
Read the Student Model, paying attention to the annotations in the right margin.
Editing : p. 95 & 97
Plural Nouns – Conventions Focus
Spelling: Troublesome Words
Rubric for Self-Assessment p. 97
Use the rating scale to self-assess your essay by finding evidence in your writing.
Publishing p. 97
1.
Type a final copy of your essay on a computer.
2.
Follow the formatting requirements in the rubric.
3.
Before printing , proofread it again for spelling.
4.
Print your essay.
5.
Staple this rubric/directions handout on top of your essay.
6. Turn in your completed assignment to your period basket on Friday, 9/27 .