Halloween Activity
For English this week you are to make a list of as many activities as you can think of that
are connected with Halloween. Write them on the back of this paper. Look at your list and
then choose one of the activities. On a separate sheet of paper, make a list of all the words
you can that describe that one activity. Using some of these words, describe the one
Halloween activity you have chosen in a good paragraph. You may write your rough draft
on the same paper as your word list. Remember, a good paragraph will have a topic
sentence which will catch the interest of the reader. It will often have from four to six
sentences which support the topic sentence.
REMEMBER:
___ 5-8 sentences, including a topic and concluding sentence
___ five elements of good writing; focus on IDEAS
___ clearly reworked rough draft
___ final is neat and written in ink
___ all three papers stapled together with final on top
Pumpkin Contest 1
PUMPKIN CONTEST 1: TO BE GIVEN SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE HALLOWEEN:
For this week's English, you are to write about a plan you might make.. Think about the
following situation:
You have won third prize in a national contest and your prize is a tractor-trailer load of
whole pumpkins. These are delivered to you 5 days before Halloween and are just dumped
onto your lawn, covering the entire front yard.
***Are you happy to have won the contest?
***Are you pleased with your prize?
***What plan will you make to get rid of those pumpkins?
Now, after having thought about some of the above questions, write a good paragraph,
explaining the situation and telling what you plan to do. You do not have to include all the
answers to the above questions.
NEEDED:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A good topic sentence.
Three or four supporting sentences.
A good concluding sentence.
No spelling errors.
A title.
Your name, date, and heading.
Pumpkin Contest 2
PUMPKIN CONTEST 2: TO BE GIVEN SEVERAL DAYS AFTER HALLOWEEN
For this week's English, you are to write about a plan you might make.. Think about the
following situation:
You have won third prize in a national contest and your prize is a tractor-trailer load of
whole pumpkins. Unfortunately, these are delivered to you 5 days AFTER Halloween, and
are just dumped onto your lawn, covering the entire front yard.
***Are you happy to have won the contest?
***Are you pleased with your prize?
***What plan will you make to get rid of those pumpkins?
Now, after having thought about some of the above questions, write a good paragraph,
explaining the situation and telling what you plan to do. You do not have to include all the
answers to the above questions.
NEEDED:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A good topic sentence.
Three or four supporting sentences.
A good concluding sentence.
No spelling errors.
A title.
Your name, date, and heading.
Winter Holidays
There are many other winter holidays besides Christmas. Chief among them are
Hannukah and Kwanza. Still other lesser known ones are St. Nicholas Day, St. Lucy's Day,
Saturnalia, and the Winter Equinox. Using an encyclopedia or online source, research the
holidays that fall in the month of December. Select one holiday, with the exception of
Christmas, with which you'll work for this week's writing assignment.
December Holidays:
_______________
________________
________________
________________
________________
Holiday I chose: ________________
Five details about this holiday:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Imagine that you and your family are planning to celebrate your chosen holiday. What
preparations will you make? Will you make special foods or decorations? In what activities
will you engage? What special traditions will you observe?
For this week's writing assignment you are to write a narrative composition in which you
relate your family's holiday experience. Your purpose is to inform your reader about this
holiday as well as to tell a story. Pay close attention to PURPOSE this week. Include
pertinent, factual information about your selected holiday while still maintaining a
narrative style.
CHECK:
1. __ Did you include a strong introductory statement?
2. __ Did you include a conclusion?
3. __ Did you indent your paragraph(s)?
4. __ If your composition is more than one paragraph, did you remember to include
transitional statements?
5. __ Did you proofread your writing for mechanics and spelling?
6. __ Is your final neat and legible and written in ink?
Special Holiday Memory
A Special Holiday Memory
NOTE: This is not a time to write about your favorite holiday but one special memory you
have of a holiday!
Be sure to follow each of the steps below. Check off each one as you complete it. Your grade
will be based on the successful completion of each step, with special attention to step 1.
1. _____ The first sentence of the paragraph must be a topic sentence. This sentence
must express the paragraph topic or the central thought.
2. _____ The paragraph must be your work and be original.
3. _____ Each sentence in the paragraph must stick to the topic and relate to the topic
sentence.
4. _____ Indent the first word of the paragraph.
5. _____ Have margins on the left and right side of your paper.
6. _____ Begin and end each sentence correctly. Make sure each word is correctly
spelled.
7. _____ You have your name, date and a title on the paper
8. _____ You have at least 3 supporting sentences.
9. _____ You have a concluding sentence.
10. _____ Proof-read the paragraph, then have someone else--someone who knows their
spelling and punctuation--make corrections on your paper.
Thank You Note
We have been blessed with many special gifts and talents. Perhaps it is the ability to sing or
play a musical instrument. Perhaps it is athletic ability or the ability to be compassionate
and kind. Think of the special gifts or talents that you possess. On the back of this paper
make a list or create a web brainstorming these gifts. Next to each, give a reason why you
are grateful for it.
Your assignment this week is to write a thank you note of at least one paragraph to
someone for giving you, encouraging you, or teaching you a particular talent. Express your
appreciation and tell why you particularly enjoy this talent or gift. You should be focusing
on PURPOSE and IDEAS this week.
REMEMBER:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
__ 5-8 sentences
__ correct letter format: heading, greeting, body, closing, signature
__ five areas of good writing: PURPOSE, direction, IDEAS, style, presentation
__ final copy neat, in ink, and headed properly
__ all three papers stapled together with final on top
George and Abe
If Abe Lincoln and George Washington were to meet, what would they talk about? Here ís
your chance to take part in history. Write a conversation between these famous men.
Each man must speak at least three different times. Use three different examples of
placement of words which tell who is speaking. (i.e. 1. Before the spoken word; 2. after the
spoken word; 3. Between the spoken words.)
Be sure to use quotation marks and the correct punctuation. Try to use good synonyms for
said.
REMEMBER:
1.
2.
3.
4.
___ five elements of good writing; focus on PURPOSE and PRESENTATION
___ clearly REWORKED rough draft
___ final is neat and written in ink
___ all three papers stapled together with final on top
Dr. Seuss/Reading
A paragraph is a group of 5-8 sentences telling about a single idea or topic. The beginning
sentence, or topic sentence, should get the paragraph started. It should tell something
important about the subject of the paragraph. It should also make you interested in what
will be discussed in the paragraph. The next set of sentences should support that topic. The
last sentence should tie your paragraph together.
Topic: Reading
In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday, this week's paragraph should be something to do with the
topic of reading.
Brainstorm 10 important reasons why reading is important. Do your brainstorming on the
back of this piece of paper. You can make a list or do a WEB - or any other means of
brainstorming with which you are comfortable.
Look through your brainstorming list. What does it show about how you feel about
reading?
Write a paragraph that would inform others of the importance of reading.
Remember:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
__ Name on your paper and heading correct?
__ Did you indent?
__ Did you work on getting everything spelled correctly?
__ Did you focus on the five areas of GOOD WRITING?
__ Use 5-8 sentences (including topic and concluding sentence)
__ Is your final written neatly in ink?
__ Did you staple all three of your papers together with your final on top?
Bird's Eye View of Spring
Spring began officially this past weekend. We are all familiar with the signs of the season:
warmer temperatures, greening grass, and leaves sprouting on trees. Imagine yourself as
the harbinger of spring, the Robin Red-breast. What signs of spring do you see? Hear?
Smell? Describe the season of spring as seen from this bird's eye view.
REMEMBER:
_____ 1. Do you have your name on your paper and the correct heading?
_____ 2. Did you use correct paragraph format (indentation and margins)?
_____ 3. Did you work on getting everything spelled and punctuated correctly?
_____ 4. Did you focus on the five areas of GOOD WRITING especially PURPOSE and
STYLE?
_____ 5. Did you use 5-8 sentences (including topic and concluding sentence)?
_____ 6. Is your final written neatly in ink or typed?
_____ 7. Did you staple all three of your papers together with your final on top?
The Day It Rained Chocolate Pudding
Strange Rain/ THE DAY IT RAINED CHOCOLATE PUDDING
Pretend that you woke up this morning and heard rain outside, hitting your windows,
pounding on the roof. It is still dark out, so it takes you a minute to notice that the "rain"
coming down is a funny dark color. You can't tell what it is, so you quietly make your way
to the outside door, open it and smell---chocolate! You step out the door and slowly put a
hand into the stuff. It's chocolate! Chocolate pudding is raining out of the sky!
What will you do? Who will you tell? What will happen when you meet your friends?
Make a list of all the possibilities you can think of, then choose your best ideas to write your
story.
REMEMBER
1.
2.
3.
4.
_____ 5-8 sentences
_____ five elements of good writing, especially IDEAS
_____ all three papers stapled together with final in ink on top
_____ You clearly have reworked your story, making lots of corrections and
additions
Leprechauns
ST. PATICK'S DAY/ Leprechauns
This week you will be writing about leprechauns. Choose one of the following story
starters. Get a piece of scratch paper and write down all the things that could happen in
this story. Choose one or two of your best ideas. Now, get a piece of lined paper, copy the
phrase you want to use down on your paper, and then finish the story.
Possible choices:






The leprechaun woke up, stretched his arms out to the side, stretched his legs, then
tried to flex his magic powers--but they weren't there!
I woke up one morning and the world was green . . .
A wizard cast a spell on all the leprechauns. From now on they'd . . .
The blarney stone, the stone that gives the power of persuasive speech, is missing . . .
I finally caught a leprechaun . . .
One day I found the end of the rainbow, and at it there was, not gold, but a pot of
leprechaun dust . . .
To get full credit for your story you must have the following:
1. _____ 4 papers: this paper, signed by the adult who checked your rough draft, the
list of ideas, the rough draft, the final copy
2. _____ Proper form: your name and date in the corner, the title on the top line, a line
skipped before you start your story.
3. _____ Paragraphs are indented 1/2 inch
4. _____ Right and left margins
Nice
All of us like to have special nice things done of us. What types of action do you consider
nice? What do you like to have people do for you? For English this week you will be
writing a single paragraph about "nice". CAUTION: Do not use the word "nice" in your
paragraph.
List ten ideas.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
What do you do that's really nice? Do you have to think about your behavior? Or is it
automatic? This week, you not only are to write a paragraph about something you consider
to be nice, but you are to do something nice for at least 5 people. What will they be, and
who will you choose? List your five good deeds on the bottom of your final copy.
REMEMBER:
____ 1. 5-8 sentences
____ 2. Indent
____ 3. Get spelling checked
____ 4. five elements of good writing, especially IDEAS
____ 5. all three papers stapled together with final on top
Autobiography
For English this week you will be writing a paragraph that is an autobiography. Remember
an autobiography is the story of your life. Since you will only be writing one paragraph,
you will need to focus on only the important things about you. You may want to make a list
of ideas or create a web to help you plan your thoughts. A timeline might also be helpful.
Feel free to use the back of this sheet to make your plans.
REMEMBER:
_____ 1. Name on your paper and heading correct?
_____ 2. Did you use correct paragraph format?
_____ 3. Did you work on getting everything spelled and punctuated correctly?
_____ 4. Did you focus on the five areas of GOOD WRITING especially PURPOSE?
_____ 5. Use 5-8 sentences (including topic and concluding sentence)
_____ 6. Is your final written neatly in ink?
_____ 7. Did you staple all three of your papers together with your final on top?
Favorite Relative
A paragraph is a group of sentences telling about a single idea or topic. The beginning
sentence, or topic sentence, should get the paragraph started. It should tell something
important about the subject of the paragraph. It should also make you interested in what
will be discussed in the paragraph.
Write one paragraph about a relative. It can be a description of a favorite or not so favorite
relative. Be sure to follow each of the steps below. Check off each one as you complete it.
Your grade will be based on the successful completion of each step, with special attention to
step 1.
____1. The first sentence of the paragraph must be a topic sentence. This sentence must
express the paragraph topic or the central thought.
____2. The paragraph must be your work and original.
____3. Each sentence in the paragraph must stick to the topic and relate to the topic
sentence.
____4. Indent the first word of the paragraph.
____5. Begin and end each sentence correctly. Make sure each word is correctly spelled.
____6. Proof-read the paragraph, then recopy it on a whole sheet of binder paper.
Labor Day
On September 3, 1894, President Grover Cleveland proclaimed the first national
observance of Labor Day. At this time the holiday honored only federal workers in all the
states and The District of Columbia. Today Labor Day is celebrated the first Monday in
September and recognizes all those who labor. The word "labor" is derived from the Latin
and means "to be tired." Labor can be physical or mental toil, but more commonly refers
to physical exertion for the purpose of supplying material wants.
This week, in celebration of Labor Day, you are to write a paragraph in which you discuss
the need to recognize how working people contribute to our society. On the back of this
sheet make a list of jobs. Next to each, briefly describe how the job effects all of society.
REMEMBER:
___ 5-8 sentences, including a topic and concluding sentence
___ five elements of good writing; focus on PURPOSE and IDEAS
___ clearly reworked rough draft
___ final is neat and written in ink
___ all three papers stapled together with final on top
The Sound of Silence
Have you ever really listened to silence? Is it a feeling, or is it an actual sound? Think of
silence. On the back of this sheet make a list or build a web of ten things that are silent,
feelings that are associated with silence, or places where silence is prevalent or needed.
Your assignment this week is to write a paragraph that describes this sound. Look back at
your brainstorming material for ideas to help you. Focus heavily on IDEAS and STYLE
this week. You will need to use at least one simile in your description.
REMEMBER:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
__ 5-8 Sentences
__ topic sentence, detail sentences, concluding sentence
__ five areas of good writing, especially IDEAS and STYLE
__ at least one simile
__ final copy neat, correctly headed, and done in ink
__ all three papers turned in with the final stapled on top
Teacher Rules
RULES FOR TEACHERS 1872, BRITISH COLUMBIA:









TEACHERS EACH DAY WILL FILL LAMPS, CLEAN CHIMNEYS.
EACH TEACHER WILL BRING A BUCKET OF WATER AND SCUTTLE OF COAL
FOR THE DAY¹S SESSION.
MAKE YOUR PENS CAREFULLY. YOU MAY WHITTLE NIBS TO THE
INDIVIDUAL TASTE OF THE PUPILS.
MEN TEACHERS MAY TAKE ONE EVENING EACH WEEK FOR COURTING
PURPOSES, OR TWO EVENINGS A WEEK IF THEY GO TO CHURCH
REGULARLY.
AFTER TEN HOURS IN THE SCHOOL, THE TEACHERS MAY SPEND THE
REMAINING TIME READING THE BIBLE.
WOMEN TEACHERS WHO MARRY OR ENGAGE IN UNSEEMLY CONDUCT
WILL BE DISMISSED.
EVERY TEACHER SHOULD LAY ASIDE FROM EACH PAY A GOODLY SUM OF
HIS EARNINGS FOR HIS BENEFIT DURING HIS DECLINING YEARS SO THAT
HE WILL NOT BECOME A BURDEN ON SOCIETY.
ANY TEACHER WHO SMOKES, USES LIQUOR, FREQUENTS POOL HALLS, OR
GETS SHAVED IN A BARBERSHOP WILL GIVE GOOD REASON TO SUSPECT
HIS WORTH, INTENTION, INTEGRITY, AND HONESTY.
THE TEACHER WHO PERFORMS HIS LABOUR FAITHFULLY AND WITHOUT
FAULT FOR FIVE YEARS WILL BE GIVEN AN INCREASE OF TWENTY-FIVE
CENTS PER WEEK IN HIS PAY, PENDING PROPER APPROVAL.
These rules actually existed and were followed in Canada! Thank goodness times have changed. I certainly would not be
teaching because I am married. (One wonders why that particular rule was used.)
PARAGRAPH ASSIGNMENT Imagine that you have control over implementing rules for
teachers to follow. What rules would you like to see in place? Brainstorm a list of rules.
Unlike the government of B.C. you should have a rationale for each rule.
The format of your paragraph should include a topic sentence indicating that you are going
to be discussing new teacher rules for this year.
Then using clear concise sentences (not bullets) give a rule followed by a sentence or two
explaining why this rule is going to be enforced.
End your paragraph with a summary sentence.
This paragraph may be serious or humorous.
Checklist:
1. 10-15 sentences
2. topic sentence/summary sentence
3. notes taken or brainstorming list does not need to be turned in
4. finished final copy[ typed]
Wearing a School Uniform
You are going to be writing a "reasons why" paragraph this week. It will be due on Friday.
Imagine that your school is deciding if they wish to use school uniforms or not. There are
many reasons why people prefer school uniforms and there are many reasons why people
are opposed to school uniforms.
Make a list of reasons, on the back of this sheet, about why you would or would not like to
have school uniforms at your school. Write a topic sentence that clearly outlines your
position on the issue. Write at least 8 supporting sentences that give reasons why you think
as you do. Write a summary sentence that tells the reader what to do about the issue.
Checklist:
1.
2.
3.
4.
10-15 sentences
topic sentence/summary sentence
notes taken or brainstorming list on the back of this sheet
finished final copy
Trees and Me
(expository writing)
Trees are an amazing gift we have to help us with our planet life. There are many reasons
we must keep our trees. To keep you with the thoughts of trees, you are to visit your
backyard, pick a tree (favorite?), and study and become its friend. Yes, adopt that tree. If
you haven't a tree in your yard, find another one at your church, friend's house, or a
relative's house.
Take pictures of it, or draw and sketch the tree. (Color the picture)
Record the weather the day this tree became your friend.
Make a bark rubbing.
Write down the type and size of your tree.
Write the type and size of its branches.
Write the type and size of its leaves.
Draw a picture of a leaf, or an actual leaf from the tree.
Now, write an EXPOSITORY writing or record of: What you do to protect trees. What
trees do to help you out every day.
Visit the web site www.domtar.com/arbre/english/start.htm and explore all the areas such
as the Student Corner, Tree Photo Album, and the games and experiments for further
ideas.
REMEMBER:
___ 1. Preposition starts TOPIC SENTENCE.
___ 2. 5-8 sentences for each paragraph, including topic sentence and concluding sentence
___ 3. transition between paragraph
___ 4. five elements of good writing, especially IDEAS
___ 5. clearly reworked rough draft
___ 6. all three papers turned in with neat final in ink on top
Journey of a Snowflake
After we have studied and read about snowflakes, now you can write an imaginary tale of
one snowflake's journey. Your story must include all the necessary weather cycles needed
for the freezing crystal. Your snowflake must have a name and have a personality. Use
personification and become the snowflake. Have a family, name your characters, and talk
about the weather conditions needed, including his/her (snowflake) life expectancy. Follow
the complete fall and final picture of how or what your flake made at the end of the trip.
Your story will require more than one paragraph.
REMEMBER:
___ 1. Visited web site for ideas: www.teelfamily.com/activities/snow (optional)
___ 2. 5-8 sentences for each paragraph, including topic sentence and concluding sentence
___ 3. transition between paragraph
___ 4. five elements of good writing, especially DIRECTION and IDEAS
___ 5. clearly reworked rough draft
___ 6. all three papers turned in with neat final in ink on top
Swimming in a Pool of Jell-0
It's almost summer vacation. What could be more fun than taking a swim after a hot day at
school? Imagine that your parents, or grandparents, or the local swimming pool has been
filled with berry-blue Jell-O. Describe what and how you would swim in a pool full of JellO. Would it be safe to eat the Jell-O? Why or why not? How is swimming in Jell-O
different than swimming in water? Does Jell-O make swimming easier or harder? Why?
How?
Be sure to brainstorm your ideas, then write a beginning, middle and end to this adventure
(3 paragraphs) in a rough draft. Finally edit and write a final draft of this experience.
Check:
1. _____ 5 to 8 sentences in EACH paragraph.
2. _____ Five elements of good writing, focus on Audience and IDEAS
3. _____ Good transitional sentences
4. _____ Good concluding sentence
5. _____ Clearly reworked draft
6. _____ All three papers stapled with final copy on top.
Important
Pick an object: a person, place, or thing, and tell about its important attributes. Write a
paragraph in which you describe the object's attributes and conclude with its most
important one.
For example: a pen. Pens come in all colors. Some pens have erasers and some don't. You
can use a pen to write letters to your friends in other cities, states, and countries. You could
even use a pen to write your Paragraph a Week draft paragraph. The important thing,
then, about a pen is that you write with it.
Check:
1. _____ 5 to 8 sentences in EACH paragraph.
2. _____ Five elements of good writing, focus on IDEAS
3. _____ Good introductory sentence
4. _____ Good concluding sentence
5. _____ Clearly reworked draft
6. _____ All three papers stapled with final copy on top.
Bugs
(Persuasive Writing)
For Paragraph a Week this week you are going to be writing about bugs, those nasty yet
fascinating little creatures that everyone is always swatting away at. You're not going to be
describing a bug, but rather answering this question:
If you could do away with any bug on this planet which one would it be? Why?
Check:
1. _____ 5 to 8 sentences
2. _____ Five elements of good writing, focus on PURPOSE
3. _____ Good introductory sentence
4. _____ Good concluding sentence
5. _____ Clearly reworked draft
6. _____ All three papers stapled with final copy on top.
Pay It Forward
(personal narrative)
For Paragraph a Week this week, you will be writing a response inspired by the movie,
"Pay It Forward." Perhaps you have seen this movie. If so, then you know that the theme
of the story is that it is best to do good deeds for others out of goodness and unselfishness
and not expect something in return. The giver "pays it forward" in the hope that the
recipient will then "pay it forward" and so on. On the back of this sheet, brainstorm a list
of activities that might show that "paying it forward" is better than expecting something in
return. Narrow your list, and write about two or three in depth OR select only one and
create a personal narrative about it. Whatever you choose, limit your writing to one
paragraph.
Check:
1. _____ 5 to 8 sentences
2. _____ Five elements of good writing, focus on PURPOSE and DIRECTION
3. _____ Strong introductory sentence
4. _____ Good concluding sentence
5. _____ Clearly reworked draft
6. _____ All three papers stapled with final copy on top.
My Life as a(n) ...
(narrative writing)
For Paragraph a Week this week you get to be creative! Select any inanimate object with
which to complete this phrase:
My Life as a(n) __________________
Now write a narrative piece consisting of a paragraph or two about you, this object. You
may want to do some brainstorming on the back of this sheet prior to your first draft.
Check:
1. _____ 5 to 8 sentences in EACH paragraph.
2. _____ Five elements of good writing, focus on IDEAS
3. _____ Good transitional sentences
4. _____ Good concluding sentence
5. _____ Clearly reworked draft
6. _____ All three papers stapled with final copy on top.
Around the World
If you had a month to visit any place in the world, where would you go? Think about
factors such as the climate at the time of year you would like to go, the geographic features
of the region, the activities people engage in that are unique to that region, and any other
factors that might influence your decision. To ensure that you consider all of your
possibilities you may want to examine a globe. The region you choose could be a foreign
country, a certain place within the United States or a specific region such as the Himalayan
Mountains. Once you decide where you would like to go, create a list of all the things that
you already know about your chosen region. Even if you are unsure about whether a
certain idea you have is true, write it on your list.
Next you should consult any available resources to discover information on the place that
you would visit. You may consult trade books, encyclopedias, almanacs, the Internet, CDROMs, and any other sources you are able to find. When you are looking for information
gather some basic facts that will help other students get a general idea of what your region
is like, as well as other ideas that you find interesting. Make sure that you find information
that addresses each of your original ideas about the region. For example, if you think that
people in Switzerland yodel, find out whether or not this is true and if it is true tell about
any additional information you found on the subject. Also, be sure to report any facts that
you did not originally know, but that you think may influence whether or not a person
would want to visit your region.
You should first write a paragraph that tells some of the basic information that you
discovered about your region. The second paragraph that you write will try to persuade
someone about why they should or should not go to your region. This paragraph should
discuss some of the reasons why you originally chose to visit that region, whether your
ideas about the region were actually true, and some of the other important or interesting
ideas about the region that would influence a person's decision to go there. Your two
paragraphs should give the reader an idea of what your region is like, where it is located in
the world, and at least three reasons that help explain why or why not someone should visit
your region.
REMEMBER:

Did you write two paragraphs?
Did you and a friend or adult proofread your writing?
Did you revise your writing and write a neat final copy?
Did you start each paragraph with an interesting topic sentence that grabs the reader's attention?
Do you have at least three ideas in each paragraph that support your topic sentence?
Do you have a good concluding sentence that summarizes your ideas?
Do you have a transition sentence that helps the reader move from your first paragraph to your ideas
in the second?
Does your first paragraph give the reader some information about your region, and does your second
paragraph try to persuade the reader?
Do you have your brainstormed list of original ideas about your region, your rough draft, and your
neat final copy ready to give to the teacher
Neighborhood Playground
(persuasive writing)
For Paragraphs a Week this week, you will be writing a letter to our city council that
consists of two paragraphs. In this letter, you will be trying to persuade the council to
permit the construction of a playground in your neighborhood. Remember that every letter
has a special format that includes five parts: heading, greeting, body, closing, and signature
(name).
In the first paragraph of your letter you should communicate the kind of playground you
would like to see built in your neighborhood. You could write about types of equipment,
landscape, etc. Be sure to describe the playground thoroughly. You should give the reader
an idea of what this playground will look like. Yet, remember to keep this to one paragraph
only.
In your second paragraph you should focus on persuading the city council to build the
playground. Think of things that will be attractive to the city council and helpful to your
neighborhood. Be sure to base your arguments on features you¹ve talked about in the first
paragraph. Finish this paragraph with a strong concluding sentence that touches on both
paragraphs since it is the end of the letter¹s body.
REMEMBER
___ 1. letter format
___ 2. 5-8 sentences for each paragraph, including topic sentence and concluding sentence
___ 3. transition between paragraph
___ 4. five elements of good writing, especially DIRECTION and IDEAS
___ 5. clearly reworked rough draft
___ 6. all three papers turned in with neat final in ink on top
Talk with Your Table
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a particular object in your house?
What would that object think about? Who would its best friend be? What would it do all
day long while you were at school? Your goal for language arts this week is to pick one
non-living object in your house that is meaningful to you to write about. It can be any
object that you wish, located in any part of your house.
You will then make 5 interview questions that you will 'ask' your object and write 5
responses that your object might say (if it could talk!). Your interview questions and
responses can be as creative as you can imagine them to be! Lastly, write 2-paragraphs
from the point-of-view of your object using your interview questions and responses as a
guide. Your main goal for this assignment is to be as creative as you can be. Think about
what kind of personality you want to give your object, and what it would be like if it were
alive. Try to make your object come to life through your paragraphs!
REMEMBER:
1. Write 5 creative interview questions and responses to help you brainstorm about what
your paragraphs will say.
2. Write a rough draft for your story then revise and edit the draft.
3. Make each paragraph at least 5 to 8 sentences long, including a topic sentence and a
concluding sentence in each paragraph.
4. There should be a smooth transition between paragraphs and sentences, so that the story
does not seem 'choppy' to the reader.
5. The last sentence in the concluding paragraph should bring your story to a close.
6. Staple together your interview questions and responses, your rough draft, and your final
draft together.
Walk in My Shoes
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk in someone else's shoes for a day?
This week I want you to consider life from another person's point of view. You can choose
to write from the point of view of someone you know, or as a character from one of the
books we have read in class. I am not looking for a list of facts about that person, but
rather a creative interpretation of a single event.
Before you begin writing, I want you to think about questions that will allow you to explore
the feelings and expectations of the person/character you choose. Pretend you are that
person. What are the most important things in your life? Who are your friends? What are
some of your goals? What do enjoy doing in your free time? Do you have a job and if so,
what is it? Think about these questions and any others you can think of that will help you
understand the way the person/character of your choice thinks.
With those questions in mind, I want you to write at least three well constructed and
detailed paragraphs about one event from the person/character's life. The event can be
something big that could affect the person's life altogether or something very small like
what to have for breakfast. The event is not as important as your portrayal of how the
person thinks with extra consideration to why the person makes the choices he/she does.
Organize your thoughts in a web map, following the paragraph structure with main ideas
and details. The first paragraph should introduce us to the person and the event you have
chosen. Describe the event in detail and its importance to the character. The second
paragraph should bring the readers into the mind of your person/character. Discuss what
they think about the event and its consequences, if any. The last paragraph should describe
the way the event ended and the person or character's thoughts about the outcome.
Don't Forget! Before you turn in your paper, look to see if you have...
1. ______ name and date
2. ______ 5-8 sentences for all three paragraphs
3. ______ each paragraph includes a topic and closing sentence, and detail sentences
4. ______ use of transitional sentences when appropriate
5. ______ five elements of good writing; focus on IDEAS and STYLE (word choice should
reflect the person/character you have chosen)
6. ______ clearly reworked rough draft
7. ______ final paper is neat and written in ink
8. ______ all four papers stapled together with final on top (directions, web map, rough
draft, final)
Penguins
January 20 was Penguin Awareness Day. Many penguins' habitats are threatened and
several species are in danger of becoming extinct. For your assignment this week, increase
your awareness about these cold weather birds. Write two paragraphs about penguins.
Make sure each paragraph has a strong topic sentence and that there is a transition
between your paragraphs. You also need a conclusion.
Because you will probably need to look up information about penguins, make sure you list
where that information came from after your paragraphs. You need the author of the
book, the title of the book, the copyright date (in the front) and the pages that you used.
List the information in that order at the bottom of your final copy.
Some ideas for topics:






types of penguins
why penguins are endangered
life of a penguin
ways to help penguins
what penguins eat
where penguins live
REMEMBER:
____ I have two paragraphs.
____ I have a final copy in INK.
____ My name is on my paper.
____ I listed my resources of information.
The Discovery of Tut's Tomb
On November 4, 1922, Howard Carter made one of the most important archaeological
discoveries of all time. He discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamen, the boy pharaoh of
Ancient Egypt. The tomb yielded a collection of priceless treasures that had escaped being
looted by grave robbers unlike most of the other tombs in Egypt.
This week for English you will be writing TWO paragraphs about a discovery you have
made. The discovery can be something you have learned in school, some actual object you
have found, or something you have learned about yourself. The first paragraph will be a
narrative, or story, in which you tell about making the discovery. The second paragraph
should explain why this discovery is important to you.
REMEMBER:
___ 5-8 sentences for each paragraph, including a topic and concluding sentence
___ A TRANSITIONAL sentence which smoothly takes your reader from paragraph one
to paragraph two
___ five elements of good writing; focus on PURPOSE and DIRECTION
___ clearly reworked rough draft
___ final is neat and written in ink
proofread your work for IDEAS and PRESENTATION
___ all three papers stapled together with final on top
Good Sub
When your teacher is ill or has to be out of the classroom, a substitute teacher is called in.
Some subs are very good. Why? What is it that makes a substitute teacher a good sub? I'm
sure that you, the students, know what it takes. You know what makes for a good teacher
so in turn, you know what it takes to be a good substitute. Be realistic and serious in your
descriptions and explanations.
Write two paragraphs describing what a good sub does, or what he or she is like. What do
they need to do to be successful and effective? You may want to create a list or web to get
you started brainstorming. Feel free to use the back of this sheet to make your plans.
REMEMBER:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
__ 5-8 sentences for EACH paragraph.
__ Focus on the five elements of good writing, particularly IDEAS.
__ Clearly reworked rough draft.
__ proofread your composition for PRESENTATION.
__ Good copy in ink.
__ All three papers turned in with final on top.
National Pencil Month
Did you know that February is designated National Pencil Month? That's right! This
month is dedicated to honoring the hardworking, underrated tool that you, as a student,
utilize each and everyday of your life.
For English this week you are to write a composition that features the pencil as the main
character. You might want to tell about a typical day in a pencil's life, or you might try to
create a story that features a problem a pencil encounters. Whatever you choose to do is all
right as long as you include DIALOG (conversation using quotation marks) and you tell
the story from the pencil's POINT OF VIEW (when you use the pronouns 'I' or 'WE' you
will be referring to the pencil).
REMEMBER:
__ 1. 5-8 sentences for EACH paragraph, except for paragraphs of DIALOG.
__ 2. Focus on the five elements of good writing, particularly PURPOSE.
__ 3. Clearly reworked rough draft
__ 4. proofread your composition for PRESENTATION
__ 5. Good copy in ink.
__ 6. All three papers turned in with final on top.
Become an Inventor
This week for English you will have a chance to show your very creative side. You are
going to be an inventor.
An inventor is someone who comes up with a new product, device, or idea that helps
accomplish a task or makes something easier to do. Some inventions have been very
practical and helped all of us (the elevator, the zipper, and the ink pen) while others have
benefitted only a few (eyeglasses for chickens, moustache clips to keep your moustache out
of your soup).
Think of an invention that would make your life easier. You will be concentrating on
DIRECTION and PURPOSE this week. In your first paragraph, describe your invention.
In your second paragraph, tell how your invention will make life easier for you. Be sure
and tie the two paragraphs together with a transitional sentence. You may want to spend
some time brainstorming this topic. Use the back of this paper to draw a web or create a
list.
For extra credit, , you may make a drawing of your invention and attach it to your writing.
REMEMBER:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
___ Have a title, date, and heading.
___ Five elements of good writing, especially DIRECTION and PURPOSE
___ All three papers stapled together with a clean, neat final copy on top.
___ A rough draft showing corrections.
___ Two paragraphs.
___ check your rough draft for PRESENTATION.
Special Hideaway
Where Would You Go? Sometimes during a person's life things get too demanding, too
hectic. People pull us every which way, making demands on us, expecting us to produce.
When it seems like there is too much going on, it's nice to be able to break away from all
the pressures. Even an hour in some special spot can help.
Where would you go? What would it be like there? Would you be alone? Why? Why not?
What would you do while there? What would you see? ...hear? ...smell? ....??? How would
this spot help you? You may wish to explain where you really go or what you really do, or
you may wish to invent the perfect spot. Whatever you decide to do, you should write at
least two paragraphs that describes this place so well that your reader experiences all that
you do when you are there.
REMEMBER
__ 1. 5-8 sentences for EACH paragraph, including a transitional sentence between
paragraphs
__ 2. Focus on the five elements of good writing, particularly PURPOSE.
__ 3. Clearly reworked rough draft
__ 4. proofread your composition for PRESENTATION
__ 5. Good copy in ink.
__ 6. All three papers turned in with final on top.
Creating an Original Folktale
You have read several folktales and studied the characteristics of folk literature. Using the
knowledge and experience you have gained, you will now write an original folktale. This
composition will require much planning. Waiting until the last minute will not allow you to
meet your PURPOSE. Plan on creating a story web or map as an advance organizer to help
you write your tale.
Don't forget to build the characteristics of folk literature into your tale, especially the
element of entertainment. One way to do this is to focus on the STYLE of your writing,
especially the words you choose and how you use them. Figurative language, repetition,
and alliteration are methods to capture the attention of your reader and leave a lasting
impression. Using vivid action verbs and descriptive words, adjectives and adverbs, will
also make your tale more interesting.
The lesson a tale teaches is another important characteristic of folk literature. Think of a
lesson you have learned this year. It should not be something as specific as learning how to
convert fractions to percentages, but rather something broad and universal that could
pertain to any student of your age. The lesson might be something that involves following
directions, making and keeping friends, what a friend is, or about growing up. Decide this
lesson first and build your tale around it.
A third important feature of folktales is that they contain a simple plot. All good stories
involve a problem that must be resolved. The plot is all of the events that lead to the solving
of this problem. Your tale will be developed as a story with an introduction, a development,
and a conclusion; it will contain a problem and its resolution. In other words, there should
be a clear DIRECTION to your tale.
One final characteristic of folk literature is its predictable and believable characters.
Generally there is a character that represents the good and positive qualities of
humankind. You might remember we call this character the protagonist. There is always a
counterpart to this "good" character. Called the antagonist, this character represents the
dark or evil nature of humans. Don't forget to include these characters, using your IDEAS
to distinguish between them.
One final thing to include: Since this is a story, you will need to develop a title for it. The
title should hint at the lesson you are portraying.
REMEMBER:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
___ Include the four characteristics of folk literature.
___ Pay attention to the five elements of good writing, particularly PURPOSE.
___ Include a problem and its solution.
___ The two main characters will be a protagonist and an antagonist.
___ A title
___ Create a web or story map to help you plan your tale.
___ A clearly reworked rough draft
___ proofread your draft for PRESENTATION
___ Neat final in ink or printed
___All four papers stapled and turned in. Place in this order: final, web or map, draft, direction sheet
Ten Years from Now
TEN YEARS FROM NOW...
It is common for young people to wish to be older than they are. How would you like to be older than you are
right now? How about 10 years from now? What do you think or hope you will look like then? Is there
anything you could imagine you might miss doing in ten years that you do now at your present age? Where
will you be living? What things will be going on in your life? Who are your friends? What will you be doing
then that you can't do now?
This week, you are going to be directed to write 3 paragraphs for your writing assignment. In this activity
you are going to place yourself 10 years from now. It will help if you make a brainstorming list beforehand.
On the lines below, write down all the words and phrases you can think of that might describe how you will
be living 10 years from now. These can be things like how you look, how and where you are living, any
hobbies you might have, any job(s) you might have, special activities you are enjoying, and any
accomplishments.
1. ________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________
6. ________________________________________________
7. ________________________________________________
8. ________________________________________________
9. ________________________________________________
10. ________________________________________________
Study your brainstorming list. See the paragraphs forming in your mind. The first paragraph of this activity
should introduce the topic, "(Your Name) In Ten Years". You will use this topic as your title. Any beginning
paragraph is fine. You may choose to be serious. For example, "Ten years from now I can see myself being
very different from the way I am now." Or you can pose a question, such as, "What if it where possible to see
ten years into the future?" You may choose to introduce the activity through humor. For example, you may
choose a topic sentence like, "I may be a bean-pole now, but wait until you see me in 10 years!"
Your first paragraph should have at LEAST three sentences, including your topic sentence. The sentences
following your topic sentence should explain to the audience that you are going to explore the fantasy of
seeing yourself 10 years into the future. You should not explain anything about your life at this time, you
should just be preparing your audience for the theme of the activity.
The second paragraph will be the main part of the activity. You should choose about 4-5 ideas from your
brainstorming list and develop them in this paragraph. Write one sentence about each idea. Make sure you
lead into each sentence so that your writing is not choppy. You may choose to be serious or funny in your
writing, or you may choose to combine both serious and humorous writing.
In your third and final paragraph, you should focus on restating and summing up the topic. You should
include in this paragraph how you feel about the possibilities you have outlined for your future.
Once you have written your paragraph, be sure to check for the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
____ Have you written a clear and interesting topic sentence?
____ Are your sentences complete?
____ Does your first paragraph introduce the topic in an interesting way?
____ Have you checked for any misspelled words?
____ Have you used vivid, interesting words and phrases in your writing to paint a
clear picture to the reader?
6. ____ Does the final paragraph sum up the topic and your feelings about it?
The Year in Review
Now that this school year is almost at an end, it's time to take a look back and evaluate the
good points and the bad points. For Language class this week you'll be writing two
paragraphs. In the first paragraph you'll examine the good points of this year, while in the
second paragraph you'll examine the bad points. Include at least three details in each
paragraph, remembering to explain why you felt this was good/bad. Don't forget to include
a transitional sentence to take your reader smoothly from the first to the second
paragraph. This transitional sentence may serve as the topic sentence of your second
paragraph.
On the back of this sheet brainstorm two lists. Title one "good"; title the other "bad." List
at least five items for each. You only have to select three from each to FULLY explain in
your paper.
CHECK:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
____ 5 to 8 sentences in EACH paragraph
____ Five elements of good writing, focus on PURPOSE, DIRECTION, and IDEAS
____ transitional sentence
____ clearly reworked rough draft
____ all three papers stapled with final on top
The Legendary Apple
Since your teacher is home sick for the day, Mrs. Applebee is your substitute. There is
nothing she likes more than substituting, especially substituting apples for other things in
well-known stories. Two of her favorites are "Goldilocks and the Three Apples" and the
story of Cinderella and how her fairy godmother turned an apple into a carriage. She has
asked your help in creating some new apple substitution stories to add to her collection.
For Paragraph a Week this week, you are to choose a familiar story. It can be a folktale,
fairy tale, tall tale, legend, or nursery rhyme based story. Rewrite the story by substituting
apples for objects or characters. Have fun, be creative, but don't overdo it so the original
storyline is lost. Your reader should easily identify from what story you have adapted your
idea.
REMEMBER:
1. ___ 5-8 sentences for each paragraph, including a topic and concluding sentence
2. ___ A TRANSITIONAL sentence which smoothly takes your reader from one
paragraph to another
3. ___ five elements of good writing; focus on PURPOSE and DIRECTION
4. ___ clearly REWORKED rough draft
5. ___ final is neat and written in ink
6. ___ proofread your work for IDEAS and PRESENTATION
7. ___ all three papers stapled together with final on top
News Article/King Tut
When Carter and Carnarvon planned to open King Tut-ankh-amen's tomb, they invited
about twenty people to be witnesses. Imagine that you, a newspaper reporter, are one of
these witnesses. Write a news story describing the two archaeologists as Carter pokes the
hole in the door and peers into the chamber. Describe their actions and what they say to
each other. Tell how the assembled people react. Give your story a headline.
Good news reporters are observant, taking notes about their subject matter. On the back of
this sheet take a moment to make a chart of six sections. Label one section WHO, one
WHAT, another WHEN, a fourth WHERE, a fifth WHY, and a sixth HOW. Jot some
notes: your impressions, thoughts, facts about what you've read on the subject in each
category. Use this chart to help you organize your news article.
Remember:
___ 1. 5-8 sentences per paragraph
___ 2. quotation marks for dialog
___ 3. new paragraph for each speaker
___ 4. Answer the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
___ 5. five elements of good writing, focus on PURPOSE and DIRECTION
___ 6. a headline
___ 7. proofread your rough draft
___ 8. all three papers stapled together with your final on top
Create an Olympic Sport
This week for Paragraph a Week you get to be creative! You are to invent your own
summer Olympic sport. Tell why it should become an Olympic sport. Explain what the
sport is, how to play it, what equipment is needed, its rules, how to score, etc. Let your
imagination soar, yet remain realistic as well. On the back of this sheet, begin a
brainstorming activity such as a web or a list.
REMEMBER:
___ 1. 5-8 sentences
___ 2. topic sentence, detail sentences, concluding sentence
___ 3. five elements of good writing, focus on PURPOSE and IDEAS
___ 4. proofread your draft for PRESENTATION
___ 5. all three papers stapled together with a neat final in ink on the top
Earth Day
For Paragraphs a Week this week you will be writing a letter, a letter to the editor of your
newspaper that consists of two paragraphs. Remember that every letter has a special
format that includes five parts: heading, greeting, body, closing, signature (name).
In the first paragraph of your letter you should express the importance of caring for our
environment. You might discuss recycling, solid waste management, pollution, toxic waste,
etc. Whatever topic you select or idea you choose, write only one paragraph about it. In this
paragraph include specific facts that you have researched. You are setting the stage for
your second paragraph. You are supplying a reason(s) for celebrating Earth Day.
In your second paragraph you should persuade the readers of the newspaper to
celebrate/recognize Earth Day. You can do this by giving them activities to do, places to
visit, things to read, websites to visit, etc. Don't forget to conclude this paragraph with a
sentence that returns to your original topic, caring for the environment.
REMEMBER:
___ 1. letter format
___ 2. 5-8 sentences for each paragraph, including topic sentence and concluding sentence
___ 3. transition between paragraph
___ 4. five elements of good writing, especially DIRECTION and IDEAS
___ 5. proofread your letter for PRESENTATION
___ 6. clearly reworked rough draft
___ 7. all three papers turned in with neat final in ink on top
Reflection of the Quarter
During the quarter of this school year, you have been maintaining a Learning Log. In it
you have recorded activities, lessons, and ideas about which you have been studying in your
classes. Hopefully, you also have written about your feelings and thoughts regarding your
studies. For Paragraphs a Week this week, you will be utilizing your Learning Log as a
starting point for a multi-paragraph writing assignment.
You will be responsible for writing two paragraphs. In the first paragraph you should
recount the important things you have learned so far this school year. Do NOT simply list
the activities and topics, but rather select a few keys points to discuss in detail, including
your personal thoughts about them. In the second paragraph you will be making a
projection for the next quarter. Here you will discuss goals you might like to achieve,
improvements you might want to make, or expectations you may have. Again do NOT
simply list the items; explain them in detail through personal reflection.
Because you are writing two paragraphs, you will need a transitional sentence, one that
takes your reader smoothly from your first topic into your second. This transitional
sentence may be the concluding sentence of your first paragraph or the topic sentence of
your second. Your final sentence should tie together both topics. Your entire paper should
consist of between 10-16 sentences. Pay close attention to the structure of this week's paper;
your focus should be on DIRECTION.
REMEMBER:
___ 5-8 sentences for EACH paragraph, including a topic and concluding sentence
___ a transitional sentence
___ five elements of good writing; focus on DIRECTION
___ clearly reworked rough draft
___ final is neat and written in ink
___ you proofread your work for content and PRESENTATION
___ all three papers stapled together with final on top
Best in the World
This week our P0W is going to be a little different. We are going to do two paragraphs this
week, and the topic is something that I think you'll all like a lot. First, we're going to write
an introductory paragraph about our topic, later in the week we're going to expand on the
ideas. I'm sure that everyone in the room has something that they would like to be the best
at. Not just the best in the class, or best in the school, or even best in the state - but the best
in the whole world. So for our paragraph this week, what we are going to do is think of
something that either you do now or would like to do and pretend that you are better at it
than everyone else in the world. Like I said before, we're going to write two paragraphs on
this topic, but I won't tell you what the second part of the assignment is until you have
turned in the first half of it. Once I have received and graded part 1, then I will tell you
about part 2.
Part 1: The first paragraph we write will be about the skill itself. Why that skill? Is there a
particular reason that you want to be good at that? What do you think it would take for
you to become the best in the world at what you chose? How much work? Make sure you
use a topic sentence to interest the reader, and back it up with details.
Part 2: (to be read to the class after the completion of part 1) Describe how you could use
your status as "best in the world" to help someone. It doesn't have to be the whole world. It
can just be a friend or family member. But you must be able to use what you know about
your skill or area of expertise in order to help someone. And it cannot be to just teach them
how to do what you do. For example, if you were the best basketball player in the world,
your helpful act cannot be to teach others how to play basketball.
Once the second half is written, you will have a chance to revise Part 1 - without changing
your choice of skill. Once both parts are done, put them together into one paper and turn it
in.
Before you turn it in, make sure the following is true:
1. ___ I used 3-5 sentences per paragraph
2. ___ I spell checked both paragraphs and fixed any errors.
3. ___ I used both topic and transition sentences.
4. ___ My paragraphs say what I want them to say.
5. ___ The first line of each paragraph is indented
6. ___ There is a clear difference between the paragraphs.