Writing Prompt: “Raymond’s Run.” Name: Assignment: Imagine you are a newspaper writer covering the May Day events at the park. Write a two or three paragraph newspaper article that will appear in the next day’s paper. Be sure to tell where and when events took place, who participated, and what happened. Include interviews, vivid language, and the important plot events from the story. R:
A:
F: T: Who: What: Where: When: Why:
Rubric: Characters Dialect Plot Setting Grammar, Usage, Mechanics 1 point Includes 2 or fewer characters Interviews do not demonstrate the characters’ dialect 2 or fewer important events from the plot Not included 5 or more errors Total points: Percentage score: /15 2 points 3­4 Characters n/a 3­4 Events 3 points 5+ Characters Interviews do demonstrate the characters’ dialect 5+ Events n/a 3­4 errors Included 2 or fewer errors Example: A Squeaky Clean Finish By Jason Manley Staff Writer, The Harlem Hound They say champions are not born overnight. In the case of young Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker of Harlem, New York City, this is certainly true. After years of practicing in May Day races here at Harlem elementary, Hazel (known as Squeaky by her friends and enemies) has claimed yet another victory in the fifty­ yard dash. “I don’t know what the big deal is,” Squeaky said. “Everybody knows I’m the best there is, and that’s all there is to it.” However, despite her tough façade, Squeaky is a caring person who is considering hanging up her running shoes for a coach’s whistle. Her brother Raymond Parker, a young man suffering from hydrocephalus, is showing promise as an up­and­coming track star. “He just came outta nowhere,” said Gretchen Lewis, who came in second place in the May Day race. “Squeaky and I were neck and neck, flyin’ down the track, when all of a sudden, BOOM! Raymond was kickin’ up dust right beside us. He wasn’t even supposed to race!” As it turns out, Raymond had been secretly training alongside his younger sister Squeaky as she escorted him around town. “He was always practicing his breathin’ exercises at the dinner table, driving my brother George up the wall, and he could always keep up with me on my trots. Now, I think I’ll let him be the champion for once,” Squeaky said. The May Day races ended happily for all competitors involved. Squeaky and Gretchen, long time nemeses, exchanged smiles after crossing the finish line. Rumor has it, they may join forces to help Raymond take the gold medal next year.