1000 Quick writing Ideas
“ A JOURNAL AND CREATIVE WRITING KIT ”
By Stevan Krajnjan
Contains 1000 practical, relevant, and interesting writing prompts and
writing ideas for journal and creative writing activities for anyone, but
especially for those students who struggle with inventing their own.
1000 Quick Writing Ideas also provides other ready-to-use, practical and
visually appealing, timesaving ideas and reproducible worksheets for your
writing program. Don’t re-invent the wheel by creating your own… use the
1000 Quick Writing Ideas!
Improve personal efficiency, organization, quality of lessons and
appearance of your class handouts, forms and worksheets.
Gone are the days of hearing the familiar,
“I can’t think of anything to write!”
ISBN 0-9689702-1-4
© Stevan Krajnjan
“ A JOURNAL AND CREATIVE WRITING KIT ”
By S. Krajnjan
Edited by: Janet Nicolson, Dawn Burr
Thank you for purchasing one of the finest, most practical, and visually appealing teacher resource materials
available. This book is designed to meet the needs of today’s busy and active teacher.
Enjoy the following exciting features:
VISUALLY APPEALING DESIGN
EASY-TO-READ AND UNDERSTAND FORMAT
RELEVANT, FRESH, USEFUL AND PRACTICAL IDEAS
REPRODUCIBLE TIME SAVING WORKSHEETS FOR YOUR WRITING PROGRAM
READY-TO-USE WORKSHEETS
SAVES VALUABLE TIME!
© 2001 Timesavers for Teachers
Copyright
Permission is granted to the individual teacher who purchases one copy of the book titled “1000
Quick Writing Ideas”, to reproduce the pages for use in his/her classroom only. Reproduction of
these materials, in any form, for other colleagues or for commercial sale is strictly prohibited.
Font Sources: Corel Draw!, Microsoft Publisher 2000, Soft Key, Expert Software.
Graphics Sources: Microsoft Publisher 2000
For additional timesaving teacher resources please contact:
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
1000 QUICK WRITING IDEAS
“ A JOURNAL AND CREATIVE WRITING KIT ”
AUTHOR
Stevan Krajnjan
TEACHER:
_________________________________________
ROOM:
_________________________________________
- www.TimesaversForTeachers.com -
SUBSTITUTE
TEACHER
INSTRUCTIONS
1000 QUICK WRITING IDEAS
1000 QUICK WRITING IDEAS
1000 QUICK WRITING IDEAS
1000 QUICK WRITING IDEAS
1000 QUICK WRITING IDEAS
1000 QUICK WRITING IDEAS
BINDER SPINE LABELS
How to use this Book ……………………………………………………… 1
1000 Ideas for Writing ..............................................................................
2 - 12
The Writing Process ……………………………………………………… 13
When Writing ............................................................................................... 14
Proofread it! ...............................................................................………...
15
Idea Web .................................................................................................
16
My Misspelled Words List .......................................................................... 17
My Misspelled Words ................................................................................. 18
Most Often Misspelled Words ....................……........................…...........…19
6 Spelling Rules .........................................................................................…20
Writing Numerals ......................................................................................... 21
My New Words ..........................................................................................
22
100, 200, 300 Most Often Used Words ...................................................... 23 - 25
Contractions ................................................................................................. 26
Punctuation at a Glance ............................................................................... 27
Often Used Prefixes and Activity .............................................................
28 - 29
Often Used Suffixes ..................................................................................… 30
Parts of Speech ...........................................................................................
31
Individual Writing Assessment at a Glance ……………………………… 32
Writing Evaluation Forms ………………………………………………..
33 - 38
Homework Not Done! ................................................................................
39
Things to do ………………………………………………………………. 40
Bibliography ……………………………………………………………..
© Stevan Krajnjan
41
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
i
This book is designed to motivate and provide quick and relevant writing prompts/ideas
for students in your class who find it difficult to get their writing engines going in the
journal or creative writing classes. These are the students who consequently complain,
procrastinate, and get distracted more often than those who are always ready to write.
When encouraged to begin the writing task, the first communicated reason for not doing
anything is most often the familiar, “I can’t think of anything to write.” Well, those days
are over!
WHAT TO DO:
1.
Print several copies of 1000 Quick Writing Ideas.
2.
Hand them out to reluctant writers or to every student in the class. You may,
want to create more permanent copies of these sheets that could then be re-used
without making additional copies (saves paper).
3.
Store the sheets in folders, binders, or duo tangs to prevent physical damage and
keep them well organized and accessible (store all binders in one central area
of classroom). It is not recommended that all 1000 ideas be handed out at once.
Try 100 or 200 at a time.
4.
Students highlight (if given a personal copy of sheets), collect, and make a list of
topics of interest that could be used in personal writing, and record the selected
topics at the front or back of their journal books.
5.
At the beginning of the journal or creating writing period encourage students (or
give the option) to dig into, and use some of the 1000 ideas.
© Stevan Krajnjan
© Timesavers for Teachers
2
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
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If I could become invisible...
This is my father’s/mother’s job.
Reasons why people lie.
Reasons for going to church.
These are the reasons why I don’t go to church.
The meaning of “freedom”.
I will tell you a story that is only half true.
Why do nations wage wars?
There will be peace on earth only when...
I have something to tell you teacher.
Did you know that...
The scariest thing that ever happened to me.
I once had a scary dream.
The strangest dream I ever had.
I believe in God.
I don’t believe in God because...
The meaning of Christmas.
Hockey is my life.
I get scared when...
I wish that I could...
I am happy when...
I am sad when...
The things that get me upset.
My favorite subject.
My least favorite subject.
I just can’t seem to get along with anyone
The things that bug me.
Why is it that...?
This is my family.
When I grow up.
Our most interesting substitute teacher.
My most embarrassing moment.
I watch too much television
The most interesting place that I have ever visited.
What I would do if I were rich.
My three wishes.
What I think about gambling.
My best friend.
Friendship is...
Why I think friendships are important.
This is my home.
I play a musical instrument.
My experience at the hospital.
Things that I like about our school.
Things that I don’t like about our school.
This is my favorite sport.
I would like to tell you about my class.
These are some things that I do very well.
The proudest moment of my life.
The saddest moment of my life.
© Stevan Krajnjan
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The happiest moment of my life.
My accomplishments.
Why I like animals.
My favorite movie.
My favorite television show.
My fondest school memory.
The person that I admire.
The most interesting person that I have ever met.
The biggest mess that I ever got myself into.
My fondest childhood memory.
This is my hobby.
My biggest goal in life.
Things are not going well for me right now.
My parents.
My religion.
My first flight.
I like..., and these are the reasons why.
I very much dislike..., because...
My life as a citizen of a new country.
What I think about vandalism, drugs and smoking.
Ways in which troubled kids can be helped.
Reasons why people argue.
The best book that I ever read.
This book was really bad.
I often get frustrated.
Dear teacher, I would like to ask you some questions.
Dear teacher, there is something that you need to know.
When I turn 16.
When I become an adult this is what I will be like.
My future wife.
My future husband.
If I could change the world I would do the following.
My wish.
The present that I would like to receive.
Qualities that I look for in a friend.
The greatest summer ever.
The greatest vacation ever.
I like cars.
My favorite and least liked foods.
I have a disability.
When I take a long look in the mirror this is what I see.
What I would like to do when I get older.
How the problem of hunger can be solved.
The problem of crime can be eliminated by...
If I could live anywhere in the world it would be...
Music is an important part of my life.
Why are so many people selfish, greedy and unfriendly?
Things that I like doing.
The things that really bother me.
My favorite music group.
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
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I would like to tell you what is on my mind.
I am scared of bugs and other insects.
The most important thing in my life.
The most important person in my life.
The things that I collect.
For my next birthday I wish that I could get...
My role model.
I have attended several schools.
I am looking forward to...
Why is there so much suffering in the world?
Life after death? This is my opinion.
This is how ... works.
How I spend my leisure time.
My favorite time of the year.
There is too much violence on television.
Watching television can negatively effect your future.
If I could buy anything I would purchase the following...
If I had a real magic wand.
I wish that I could be like...
Going to school is important.
If I knew that I had only one week to live.
The most interesting school trip.
The countries that I have visited.
My opinion about lying.
The problems with today’s media.
Our polluted earth and what we can do about it.
I have a complaint or two.
Job description for an ideal profession.
How my life would change if I were to live on my own.
If I could be a leader of our country.
The most amazing thing that ever happened to me.
If I were a teacher for a day.
If I were a parent for a day.
Television is worth watching because...
Happiness is...
My greatest fear.
Life on other planets.
Crime does not pay.
Being a friend is more than just...
Life is worth living.
If I were stranded on a deserted island.
My first visit to a hospital.
How I would survive being lost in the wilderness.
The greatest person who ever lived.
I often panic when...
I can’t stand the cold weather!
Being rich means...
My best features are...
My best qualities.
Being successful means...
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I wish people knew the following about me.
How to deal with anger.
Creative excuse for not getting an assignment done.
These are my special friends.
I would be a better person if...
I could, this is what I would like to change about me.
The greatest mistake I ever made.
I like watching scary movies.
Creating horror movies is wrong.
If I knew that I could never die...
If I was all-powerful and all-knowing.
If I were as small as a fly...
If I could travel into the future.
If I could travel into the past.
If I could be anyone for a day I would be...
Animals are often more pleasant than human beings.
The “eleventh” commandment.
To my greatest love I would give the following gifts.
What I like and dislike about living in a city.
The greatest prank I ever pulled.
The nicest thing I ever did.
I love my computer.
The greatest movie ever made.
Being a pet has its advantages.
Life as a teenager.
At the end of a rainbow one can find...
I believe in ghosts.
Pain is...
World without... (wheels, electricity, death, money etc.)
The world’s greatest person.
The most famous person I have ever met.
I get angry when...
I would like to tell you about my brother/sister.
My grandparents.
The riskiest thing that I ever did.
The most unstable period in my life.
Love of money is the root of all evil.
Why I am scared of dentists and/or other doctors.
My favorite clothes.
Love is...
This is how I think the world will end.
Hate is...
Commitment is important.
This is my life.
The first person I ever fell in love with.
I enjoy watching storms.
My secret desire.
I am a very special person.
Our world is full of negative influences.
The most useful skill.
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
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Me and my big mouth!
I enjoy shopping.
The dangers of gossip.
Being creative means...
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Ways in which our class could be improved.
I have several suggestions.
All religions are the same.
All religions are not the same.
The things without which I simply couldn’t live.
Life would be easier if...
If I didn’t have to go to school...
I feel sorry for...
My opinion about exercise.
Discipline at our school.
The teachers at my school.
I wonder if...
Please help me.
I love my computer.
I find computers intimidating.
Those were the good old days.
It always seems to happen to me.
Death is...
The mistakes that my parents are making.
The best car in the world.
I am proud of my country.
I am proud of who I am.
Some of the things our world could do without.
I feel so insecure.
The difficulties of being a teenager.
Our school could use a change.
I always live by the following rules.
If I could be a principal for a day.
Cooperation is the answer.
How I learned to ride my bike.
Slowing down and smelling the flowers is important.
Being educated means...
Things that I just can’t seem to do.
Wrong role models.
Problems caused by drinking alcohol.
Drinking and driving are a deadly mix.
Avoid “the quick sand” crowd.
This person has it all.
I often feel lazy.
I feel at my very best when...
I hope that I never...
The accident I witnessed.
The ... I witnessed.
When I become a parent.
We should be thankful for...
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The things that confuse me.
I love my...
I once almost...
Journal writing is...
I enjoy sleeping in.
This is how day and night happen.
This is how the world began.
My favorite desserts.
People should make an effort to get along.
Health is important.
Where did human beings originate?
Believe it or not...
Believe it or not, I once...
I believe in UFOs.
Reasons why I don’t give it my best in school.
School, a positive and negative experience.
Some things that I will always regret doing.
The final message to my teacher.
If I had my own computer.
I like camping.
My favorite memory.
I wish that our school didn’t have...
A letter to a celebrity.
The ideal school.
Ten reasons why friends have fights.
When I get scared I...
I enjoy watching television.
My parents are very strict.
My favorite song.
The most meaningful moment of my life.
I couldn’t exist without...
It’s just not fair!
The ideal family.
The ideal world.
I can’t wait for Summer.
Why is everyone in a rush?
My personal “ten commandments”.
My greatest discovery.
I feel very ... today.
The sounds I hear in our classroom.
My best birthday ever.
I don’t like my neighborhood.
My pet peeves.
My neighborhood.
I would like to tell you about...
My five-year plan.
My ten-year plan.
The ideal me.
If I could be good at anything I would like it to be...
Thirty years from now...
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
4
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I was once in a car accident.
The car accident that changed my life.
Do I ever love shopping!
I can’t stand going shopping with ...
My chores and responsibilities.
This is what I think of exercise.
If I were a film director I would make a film about ...
These are the things that my friends and I enjoy doing
My family and I get to do a lot of traveling.
The most fascinating place in the world.
I will tell you about my favorite video game.
Playing video games may be hazardous to your mind.
I am addicted to ...
Being a teenager has is advantages and disadvantages.
I can’t wait to become an adult.
How I would solve the problem of poverty.
Money isn’t everything.
The reasons why people get unusual haircuts.
I will explain to you why I think people wear earrings.
The “X” generation.
I can’t stand hearing about the subject of politics.
Most politicians are crooks.
Computers are confusing, complicated and frustrating.
Computer technology is absolutely amazing!
I love using computers.
The computer equipment I have at home.
The computer equipment I wish I had.
One day the computers will ...
Sports, the new gods of our century.
Our polluted and endangered world.
Evolution or Creation?
I love reading books, and this is my favorite book.
Women are better at some things than men.
The things that men do better than women.
Men and women are equal.
There are many differences between men and women.
I wish that everyone would simply get along.
This is my future.
My past.
I believe in miracles.
Killing is wrong.
I agree with capital punishment.
I disagree with capital punishment.
If God does not exist then who makes the rules?
I am not very good at ...
I am a “night” person.
My musical instrument.
Where does the universe end?
Where is the end of universe and what is on the other side?
What existed before the universe was created?
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How can there be infinity?
If there is an end to the universe what is on the other side?
Dog is “man’s best friend”.
The reasons why I often get lazy.
I am very good at building things.
The most interesting person that I ever met.
These are my relatives.
I am prone to accidents.
All the bad things seem to happen to me!
I will tell you about my nightmares.
I flew in an airplane.
The things that I wish I could do.
If I could be honest with my teachers I would tell ...
I am scared of ...
Television, then and now.
Movies, then and now.
If God really did exist then ...
I am always bored and I don’t know what to do about it.
Life is boring.
The day I began to wear glasses.
Life and being alive is exciting!
I can truly say that I never get bored.
I hate exercising.
My imagination often gets me into trouble.
Gambling is wrong.
Where does the freedom of choice end?
Honesty is the thread that binds a healthy society.
Spiders, insects and creepy, slithering things scare me.
May I tell you about my crazy friends?
Someone should do something about ...
Watching professional wrestling may be hazardous.
Some people are clean and well organized by nature.
The rules that I live by.
The most important rule.
Life is a great mystery.
I feel confused.
Today I feel very happy.
Why are there so many religions in this world?
Will somebody tell me what is going on?
The worst smell that my nose ever had to endure.
The habits I would like to get rid of.
A very special moment.
Accidents will happen!
The worst weather I ever experienced.
I do not celebrate the following holidays.
My favorite expression or saying.
Could you please help me?
I was been born in a wrong century.
My childhood.
final words to this world will likely be ...
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
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Things that are important in life.
Death is nothing to be scared of.
The challenges I face in life.
Hell is ...
Heaven is a place where ...
I want be a car mechanic.
I am a very moody person.
If my airplane was about to crash ...
The chores I dread doing.
What a camping trip!
I often get scared thinking about the future.
Airplanes and flight fascinate me.
The difference between cosmos and space.
Why do vegetarians eat only plants?
My deadliest encounter with the Principal.
The worst storm I ever experienced.
Computers and new technology frustrate me.
The meaning of life.
There is nothing wrong with begging.
Homelessness is a frightening idea.
Is anyone listening to my prayers?
Life is not fair.
Life is more than fair.
If I were an animal I would like to be ...
My favorite substitute teacher.
The traffic nightmare.
The day I almost froze to death.
Feminism, the pros and cons.
Today is my birthday.
The rap music and its influences on the young.
We had a great party in our class.
My teacher and I just don’t get along.
I am a very forgetful person.
Excuses for not doing homework.
The best excuse ever.
I would like to write a story about ...
I often daydream about ...
I wish that I could get out of this class.
Some people have problems with personal hygiene.
Those who don’t work don’t get to eat.
Sunday afternoon drive into the country.
My opinion about Christian music.
My participation in the Science Fair.
Our church youth group.
Major world religions.
The most memorable school project.
Our school dances.
Everyone needs to do their share.
I am troubled.
I have a fear of flying.
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I am afraid of dying.
The coolest teaching assistant we ever had.
The need for salvation, fact or fiction.
The most difficult student in our class.
Our school Principal.
The best school I attended.
My solution to pollution.
The reasons why many creatures are endangered.
I am in a rotten mood today and let me tell you why.
What I think of group work and cooperation.
I enjoy gardening.
Today I feel sick.
I don’t enjoy wearing glasses.
How and when the universe was created.
This is my opinion about the origin of life on earth.
Gospel music.
Computers in the classroom.
Computers are a double-edged sword.
My parents are divorced.
My parents are unique people.
We are a single parent family.
Our school custodian.
My neighbors and their habits.
The first time I witnessed a funeral.
The first dead body I saw.
I don’t like going to funerals.
My home town.
I miss my old country
I often find myself thinking negative thoughts.
Winning is everything.
How to be successful in life.
True love means.
The most important job in the world.
The most positive person I know.
I am a very giving person.
People often ignore me and put me down.
I love going to our cottage.
How men and women should relate.
My own solution to the vandalism problem.
I often feel very lonely.
Carrying a grudge ...
Let’s talk about ...
Money, fame, and power.
The issue of honesty.
I wish I had a different family.
My troubles with ...
Having the right attitude is everything.
I feel guilty about ...
Ten reasons for staying in school.
I am an optimist.
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
6
FOR
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I don’t get the smile stickers any more.
What’s on my mind today.
I seem very irritable lately.
My hobby.
I am thrilled about flying.
My nightmare woke me up.
The unique substitute teacher.
I wish that I could change my teachers.
The first snowfall.
I am always short of money.
I wish that I had more money for clothes.
I once knew a person who ...
Wearing appropriate clothing is important.
The fussiest person ever.
I am getting in a Christmas mood.
Our school appears very dirty.
I get very nervous before major tests.
Our parks are filled with broken glass.
Important world issues.
Why do we have to do homework?
Someone stole something from me.
Christmas, a time for ...
Both of my parents are very ill.
Dinosaurs and the reason for their extinction.
She just can’t stop talking.
Garbage, garbage, garbage… garbage everywhere!
My sick relative.
I really long for ...
My dearest friend.
My worst enemy.
The day when time stood still.
I need to apologize.
The benefits of being physically active.
I have not behaved responsibly today.
I have been disciplined unfairly.
I feel sorry for some kids in our class.
Going to church is not important.
Attending a church is very important.
The most thrilling day of my life.
He is truly an amazing human being!
I can’t think of anything to write.
The photos of myself always turn out lousy.
Sex education in our school.
Should we still celebrate Christmas?
One day I will travel around the world.
Commercialism in Christmas.
I like watching nature shows.
I miss my ...
I saw someone stealing.
Having faith in God is important.
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Spelling, spelling! What’s the big deal?
My daddy is in the hospital.
Having faith in God is not important.
My thoughts on abstinence.
My handwriting is awful.
Life without homework.
Learning grammar is dull but important.
I am leaving school early today.
Why do some go to church only twice a year?
My momma is in the hospital.
The two biggest issues I am faced with.
My family is extremely poor.
When I die I will go to ...
I was robbed.
I am already tired of school.
I wish that my neighborhood ...
I will tell you about my scars.
Getting a tattoo.
Prayer in our schools.
Going to school is a lot of fun this year.
Junk food.
The thing that I value the most.
Misery and Suffering, my two friends.
What can I do about ...
Earth Day.
Our computer lab.
The pros and cons of Special Education.
Will our country ever separate?
Some talk shows are getting out of hand.
The baby-sitting nightmare.
I don’t know very many people.
I left my heart in ...
Terrorism in the world.
Who needs computers?
Why I choose to drink alcohol.
Space station, a possibility?
I don’t enjoy washing the dishes.
The Lifeguard that I fell in love with.
Are our schools really teaching us what is important?
I am always the one who is stuck with cleaning.
Halloween, a trick or treat?
Organ transplants.
The amazing Star Trek series.
Shopping can be dangerous to your health!
My favorite “quiet time”.
Photography, the king of hobbies.
I cheated on a test.
I love plants and gardens.
Visiting my friends.
Are ghosts real?
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
7
FOR
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In our family ...
I want to be a doctor.
When I face death ...
Space, infinitely amazing space!
Interstellar travel, a possibility or not.
I have a computer phobia.
School bullies.
Sibling rivalry and me.
My brother and I just don’t get along.
My special brother/sister.
I spent a whole day in isolation.
How to improve our class atmosphere.
Our school bus driver.
Our schools should teach us ...
The dreaded visits to the Principal’s office.
My first visit to the Principal’s office.
The punishment for cheating in school.
My cousin is coming for a visit.
I am very disorganized.
Technology, a friend or a foe?
When I grow up I want to work with hands.
My future family.
My first school suspension.
I would like to learn how to play ...
I have never seen an ocean.
I enjoy sleeping late on Saturdays.
My part-time job.
In our school ...
The Monopoly game.
I can’t wait to get a driver’s license.
Why I choose to smoke.
The pranks kids play at our school.
Our family’s biggest event.
We always have a lot of fun in the snow.
My brother and I can’t seem to stop arguing.
The time the power went off.
In our family dinner time is the time when ...
Our adventures in the snow.
My favorite pop.
I really enjoy science.
Yesterday ...
Every weekend ...
I often have nothing to say.
I just don’t learn the way everyone else learns.
The most dangerous prank.
Not one person cares about me.
Our long vacation drive.
Let me tell you why I misbehave in class.
I feel awkward in a group setting.
I tend to be a loner.
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I am totally against smoking.
Everyone has the right to do whatever they wish.
My fantasy.
The power struggle with my teacher.
Nobody knows the troubles I have seen.
I just can’t sit still all day.
I can’t wait for Spring.
I can’t wait for Christmas.
I can be trusted.
I choose to be the way I am.
I didn't choose to be the way I am.
This was not my fault.
Let’s make a deal..
My future.
My past.
Why are people so unfair?
My teacher picks on me.
I don’t know anything about anything.
I wish that we went out for dinner more often.
The people I would like to surround myself with.
I made some inappropriate choices.
Why are adults are not treating me well?
Someone touched me inappropriately.
We never have anything exciting to eat.
The people on my street have changed.
We are moving soon.
I enjoy controlling others.
I often get abused.
Things that I care about.
How I relieve stress in my life.
I have had several new teachers for the same class.
Selecting clothes to wear each day is such a chore.
Lunch, my favorite period.
I am the best person for the job.
I went to work with my dad.
I finally learned how to swim.
I feel that I am ugly.
My life has improved.
I am overdue for a change.
The fakes and crooks that I know.
I saw a drug dealer today.
We have a fantastic team.
My dad lets me use his tools.
I don’t enjoy looking at myself in the mirror.
My partner.
My bones have been broken in several places.
The teachers that wouldn’t give up on me.
My plans for this year.
What I value in life.
I will tell you why I am always quiet.
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
8
FOR
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748.
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750.
What do you think of this idea?
I don't need school in order to be successful.
It is difficult for me to focus on my tasks.
The time that I cried.
I can’t remember the last time I cried.
My real dad.
My real mom.
I should have kept my mouth shut.
The bullies that I have to deal with every day.
I am struggling and I can’t take it any more.
My favorite place.
Teachers are all the same.
Something unusual I did today.
How I wish I went on a vacation.
I am a very hyper person and can’t seem to control it.
Next year will be the right time for starting a new life.
What exactly is at the end of cosmos?
We live in a very unique world.
The time I got lost.
The twenty most important words.
The good things about our education system.
The negative things about our education system.
The winter of pure delightful fun.
Why do you always give us too much homework?
Should Halloween be celebrated in the public schools?
I believe in spiritual beings.
I am proud of my accomplishments.
I am a very active person.
I am superstitious.
Dear teacher, I have some advice for you.
I find myself feeling angry and resentful.
My most interesting conversation.
I enjoy drama.
The whole world is a stage.
My secret fantasy.
I enjoy laughing.
Things that make me nervous.
My favorite board game.
Good news - bad news.
Horoscopes are unscientific.
My first job.
Too many television commercials.
Why bother?
Knowledge is the key to gaining power.
The things I derive pleasure from.
The things I derive pleasure from.
I like and prefer to work by myself.
I need help!
Writing is not my favorite activity.
I am so scared!
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799.
800.
I am a workaholic.
My haunting daily fears.
I would like to experiment with ...
I am a proud and confident person.
I am a very insecure individual who needs help.
I am confused.
Try solving the following riddles.
I will now describe to you my favorite food.
The nightmare at the hospital.
I miss my old friends.
I wish that I could be an adult right now.
I feel very sick today.
I am just not interested in sports.
Discipline in our schools.
Our class discipline.
Why am I so different?
When I am afraid ...
But you just don’t understand!
The reason I stopped drinking.
Taking my medications in school is embarrassing.
My parents just don’t understand me.
I enjoy playing my instrument.
I always get interrupted when I talk.
People always call me names.
I have many talents.
I have an idea I would like to share with you.
Our playground is a dangerous place.
I would like the following questions answered please.
What a horrible experience that was.
I have my own garden.
Our Science Fair.
Things that are important to me.
I befriended a new student.
I always help my mother prepare meals.
The best way to succeed today is ...
I am worried about my family.
I am starved for some good food.
I am not a technically minded person.
I am often misunderstood by others.
I enjoy planting seeds and watching them grow.
If I could invent something it would be ...
I love going to the beach.
Single-parent families.
The day I almost drowned.
My pet is absolutely wild.
My pet is a psycho.
The first thing I would save in a house fire.
There is more to life than sports.
I choose to be an optimist in a pessimistic world.
I am a vegetarian.
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
9
FOR
801.
802.
803.
804.
805.
806.
807.
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809.
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842.
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845.
846.
847.
848.
849.
850.
I love my family.
My worst bodily injury.
My dad has a very difficult job.
People shouldn’t kill animals for meat.
My single-parent mom is a very hard worker.
I don’t have a problem with eating meat.
Our basement is a great place for playing.
My favorite dish.
Let me tell you about what I can do.
I am not motivated to do anything.
Housework is for women only.
Housework can be done by men too.
I am tired of writing stories in school.
The dullest person I ever met.
The obstacles I am facing in my life.
If I could be an animal I would be ...
Two working parents and children do not mix.
The day I almost lost my life.
People today are not committed to a moral standard.
This is my character sketch.
My inspiration.
I once participated in ...
If I were as small as Tom Thumb.
Why do I talk to myself all the time?
I help my older neighbors with their chores.
People of faith are law abiding citizens.
Believers in God are wasting their time.
Friendship is ...
If I were a giant.
Would I risk my life to save a friend?
I am a slow learner.
Reasons why I do well in school.
I often sit around with nothing to do.
We have a new baby in our family.
What is the most important thing in life?
I saw a very good movie.
There is a special event coming up.
The way I celebrate my birthday.
Please help me with ...
If I could teach my class something it would be ...
The field trip that went wrong from the word go.
The most interesting science experiment.
Adjusting to my step-mother and her family.
My step-father will never replace my real dad.
I am a very responsible person.
I am not a very responsible person.
Reasons why the Middle East is always in the news.
Our environment is in a serious danger.
I don’t believe in divorce.
I am terrified of flying.
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895.
896.
897.
898.
899.
900.
What I think of racism.
Let me tell you what it’s like ...
The nightmare I remember.
There will never be peace on earth.
I am afraid of needles.
I wish that I could help my friend.
The truth about ...
If I could write a book it would be about ...
I love my pet.
Should animals be used for research?
Instead of collecting taxes the government should ...
If God doesn’t exist then ...
I spend my whole summer ...
I want to become a veterinarian.
My father just lost his job.
I am against/ for clear cutting old forests.
I don’t like being in a special education class.
Ideal job description.
The greatest destructive force in the world.
The greatest enemy of our nation.
The axis of evil.
If Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is correct then ...
Downloading music through the internet.
I feel very depressed.
The worst punishment I ever experienced.
The best way to protect our environment.
All weapons of mass destruction should be destroyed.
Greed – healthy/ unhealthy emotion.
The phobia I have to live with.
My parents’ divorce has ruined my life.
Adjusting to my new country.
I have already started investing.
How to solve the problem of crime.
I am a very emotional person.
Modern technology and its effects on our society.
I am tired of watching violence on TV.
Capitalism versus communism.
My new chores around the house.
I renounce dishonesty.
Fads simply come and go.
Being shy is one of my biggest problems.
I miss my deceased grandfather/ grandmother.
Neither of my parents have a job.
My teachers are not fair to me.
The people I admire.
Advantages of having a computer.
I am afraid of public speaking.
Who am I?
I can’t seem to handle very many things.
Five questions I would ask God.
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
10
FOR
901.
902.
903.
904.
905.
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942.
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945.
946.
947.
948.
949.
950.
I don’t feel safe in my house.
Directions for how to make a ...
My three goals in life are ...
The first thing that came to my mind.
My observations about our class.
Reasons for optimism.
I really care about ...
I know exactly what my career will be.
Our world is an amazing place.
How I would help the disadvantaged.
Extreme nationalism can be a dangerous thing.
My thoughts on war.
I would like to publish a book one day.
Ways our school can be improved.
Our class curriculum can be improved.
I just love riding my bicycle.
I often feel so inadequate and awkward.
Ten things I dislike.
Music is my life.
Reasons why celebrating Earth Day is important.
I don’t know how to use the computer yet.
Next weekend ...
Miracle healers, fact or fiction.
Something wonderful happened.
What my first date will be like.
I feel so lonely and insecure without a girlfriend.
I feel very lonely without a boyfriend.
Everyone seems to have a partner except me.
What I think of the major world religions.
I am a very fortunate person.
Our family has fallen on very hard times.
My opinion of fortune tellers.
I have a good joke to tell you.
If I had the power to run our school.
When I have kids.
My experience with alcoholics.
Computer skills are very important.
My first love.
I argue a lot.
My first date.
I take advice only from ...
You don’t know who your friends are until ...
Television, the greatest baby-sitter.
The police need our support.
I witnessed something very unpleasant.
I would like to play an instrument.
People that kill others should...
Extraterrestrial beings, fact or fiction.
The first time I surfed the Internet.
Watching television takes away from creativity.
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999.
1000.
Next year ...
Let me tell you about last summer.
The future of mankind.
Little evidence of caring in our world.
Why aren’t more people friendly and generous?
I don’t feel safe where we live.
I am a very angry person.
I enjoy observing severe weather.
Crossword puzzles are a great deal of fun.
My favorite novel.
The number one baseball player.
I have read the Bible.
I have never read the Bible and have no interest.
I would like to be an explorer.
School is never fun for me.
What I think about “the new millennium”.
Why I dress and behave differently.
I am a very creative person.
My talents.
I don’t like taking frequent showers.
Television is a drug.
The kinds of movies I like to watch.
My first experience with the police.
When I get in trouble my punishment at home is ...
Cars are simply too expensive.
Cars are detrimental to our environment.
I find interesting game boards interesting.
The most exciting thing that happened in school.
My first pair of glasses.
My first camping experience.
I enjoy hiking the following trails.
What is on the other side of the end of the universe?
Is it possible for a supernatural God to exist.
I am already hooked on smoking and need help.
How I began smoking.
Computers and technology frustrate me.
Computers and I have nothing in common.
What’s the big hoopla about the Internet all about?
Our school computers got the virus.
I know someone who desperately needs help.
I have to take medications for the rest of my life.
Keeping long-term friendships is very difficult.
Everyone I know is either an alcoholic or on drugs.
I enjoy cooking good food.
Anything is possible if you try and don’t quit.
Juvenile delinquent laws are too soft.
Forms, applications and instructions confuse me.
I am trying really hard but not getting anywhere.
Exercise is the key to long and healthy life.
Smoking cigarettes is a gamble.
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
11
More timesaving ideas...
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
12
STAGES OF WRITING
BEFORE WRITING
(brainstorm & discuss to generate ideas; select a topic, decide
the purpose & audience; organize your ideas)
MAKE A DRAFT
(write a 1st draft, not perfect or final, will contain mistakes, do
not worry about small details… just write!)
REVISE
(consider content, focus and organize your ideas and then
improve what you wrote, make it clearer, change words &
information )
EDIT
(“the details” - correct and improve spelling, punctuation,
grammar, clarity of text; add or take away information, fix
mistakes)
PUBLISH
(write a final draft, presenting to public, determine how your
work will be presented, make it look good!)
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
13
Consider the following questions:
1.
Is my introduction, relevant, interesting and attention-catching?
2.
Have I written using paragraphs?
3.
Have I written using sentences of different type?
4.
Have I used appropriate verb tenses?
5.
Am I writing from a clear point of view?
6.
Have I kept on topic and not wandered?
7.
Have I included interesting comparisons?
8.
Are my ideas expressed in a clear and interesting
language? Have I avoided the use of slang words?
9.
Do my sentences flow, or are they too long/short?
10.
Is there any unnecessary repetition of words or ideas?
11.
Are my thoughts and ideas organized in a logical
sequence? Can the reader easily follow and understand
what I am trying to say?
12.
Have I proofread my work and corrected any spelling
and punctuation errors?
13.
Have I written an effective and interesting conclusion?
14.
Is my work polished and ready for public presentation?
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
14
The following checklist will help you proofread your written work. When done, ask a classmate, parent, or a teacher to
proofread it again.
Author: ____________________________________ Work Title: ___________________________________
Things to check for:
( Use
, or ? )
Proof-reader
#1
#2
1. The title is correctly spelled and underlined.
2. Written work is legible and well spaced.
3. Each sentence is a complete thought.
4. Spelling errors are underlined (circled) and corrected.
5. The following were used correctly:
commas
periods
quotation marks
apostrophes
6. Capitalized names of:
places and people
first letter in a sentence
months, days, and
holidays
important “title” words
7.
Written ideas are easy to understand.
8.
Text was written using paragraphs.
Proof-reader #1 ________________________ Proof-reader #2 _______________________
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
15
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
THE
Plan and organize your writing
more effectively by brainstorming
and generating ideas that have
topics and subtopics or major and
minor themes.
“TOPIC WEB”
Subtopic
Subtopic
Subtopic
Subtopic
The Main
Idea/Topic
Subtopic
Subtopic
Subtopic
Subtopic
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
16
Name: ________________________ Class: _________
Place each misspelled word in the left column. Find the correct spelling.
Place the correctly spelled word in the right column.
THE WAY I SPELLED IT
CORRECT SPELLING
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
17
Name: __________________________
Class: _________________________
List # __________
1.
16.
31.
46.
2.
17.
32.
47.
3.
18.
33.
48.
4.
19.
34.
49.
5.
20.
35.
50.
6.
21.
36.
51.
7.
22.
37.
52.
8.
23.
38.
53.
9.
24.
39.
54.
10.
25.
40.
55.
11.
26.
41.
56.
12.
27.
42.
57.
13.
28.
43.
58.
14.
29.
44.
59.
15.
30.
45.
60.
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
18
Most Often
Words
a lot
desert
instead
seems
Tuesday
about
didn’t
isn’t
separate
twelve
again
die
it’s
shoes
two
almost
different
I’ve
sight
used
always
early
knew
since
very
answer
easy
know
some
wasn’t
appear
eight
knowledge
somewhere
wear
because
enough
laid
straight
weather
beautiful
every
length
sure
Wednesday
been
exercise
language
suite
week
beginning
exciting
lie
sure
weight
believe
February
loose
sweat
were
below
flew
lose
sweet
we’re
blue
flight
lying
tear
where
break
forty
meant
their
whether
built
four
measure
there
which
business
fourth
minute
therefore
who
busy
friend
necessary
they
who’s
buy
government
none
they’re
whole
cannot
guess
once
they’ve
whose
can’t
guest
o’clock
though
won’t
caught
half
peace
thought
would
check
hear
piece
threw
wouldn’t
choose
heard
raise
through
write
clothes
here
receive
throw
writing
coming
hole
right
tired
wrote
cough
hour
route
tonight
you’ll
could
I’d
said
too
you’re
couldn’t
I’ll
says
trouble
you’ve
decide
I’m
science
truly
your
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
19
DOUBLE
THE FINAL CONSONANT
1.
When adding a suffix beginning with a vowel to any words ending in a single consonant preceded
by a vowel - double the final consonant. (Example: mop + ing = mopping, begin + ing = beginning)
DROP
2.
THE SILENT “e”
When adding a suffix beginning with a vowel to a word ending in a silent “e” - drop the silent
“e”. (Example: fame + ous = famous, bite + ing = biting, come + ing = coming)
KEEP
3
THE SILENT “e”
When adding the suffix, able, ance, or ous to a word ending in soft ce or ge - keep the silent “e”.
(Example: courage + ous = courageous, notice + able = noticeable)
Likewise, when adding a suffix beginning with a consonant to a word ending in silent “e” keep the silent “e”. (Example: safe + ty = safety, complete + ly = completely)
CHANGE THE “y” TO “i”
4.
When adding a suffix to a word ending in a y preceded by a consonant - change the “y” to “i”
(Example: lazy + ly = lazily, lonely + ness = loneliness)
“i” BEFORE “e” EXCEPT AFTER “c”
5.
This rule rhymes! Place “ i before e except after c”. Apply this rule to words in which i and e are
pronounced as ee. (Example: brief, chief, achieve, believe, receive, receipt, yield, brief, thief)
“E” BEFORE “I”
6.
In words where the pronunciation of “ei” is a long a— place “e” before “i”.
(Example: reign, sleigh, weight, neighbor, freight)
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
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20
1
I
One
24
XXIV
Twenty-four
2
II
Two
25
XXV
Twenty-five
3
III
Three
26
XXVI
Twenty-six
4
IV
Four
27
XXVII
Twenty-seven
5
V
Five
28
XXVIII
Twenty-eight
6
VI
Six
29
XXIX
Twenty-nine
7
VII
Seven
30
XXX
Thirty
8
VIII
Eight
40
XL
Forty
9
IX
Nine
50
L
Fifty
10
X
Ten
60
LX
Sixty
11
XI
Eleven
70
LXX
Seventy
12
XII
Twelve
80
LXXX
Eighty
13
XIII
Thirteen
90
XC
Ninety
14
XIV
Fourteen
100
C
One Hundred
15
XV
Fifteen
200
CC
Two Hundred
16
XVI
Sixteen
300
CCC
Three Hundred
17
XVII Seventeen
400
CD
Four Hundred
18
XVIII Eighteen
500
D
Five Hundred
19
XIX
Nineteen
600
DC
Six Hundred
20
XX
Twenty
700
DCC
Seven Hundred
21
XXI
Twenty-one
800
DCCC
Eight Hundred
22
XXII Twenty-two
900
CM
Nine Hundred
23
XXIII Twenty-three
1000 M
© Stevan Krajnjan
One Thousand
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
21
Name: _________________________________
One of the best ways of improving your vocabulary is by
looking up the meanings of new and unfamiliar words. In
the space below, record each new word and its most
common dictionary meaning and sentence use.
My New Word
Dictionary Definition
Sentence Use
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
22
Most
OFTEN USED WORDS
1.
A
26. Has
51. My
76. These
2.
After
27. Have
52. No
77. They
3.
All
28. He
53. Not
78. This
4.
An
29. Her
54. Now
79. Time
5.
And
30. Him
55. Of
80. To
6.
Any
31. His
56. On
81. Two
7.
Are
32. How
57. One
82. Up
8.
As
33. I
58. Only
83. Use
9.
At
34. If
59. Or
84. Very
10. Be
35. In
60. Other
85. Was
11. Been
36. Into
61. Out
86. Water
12. But
37. Is
62. Over
87. Way
13. By
38. It
63. People
88. We
14. Called
39. Its
64. Said
89. Were
15. Can
40. Just
65. See
90. What
16. Could
41. Know
66. She
91. When
17. Did
42. Like
67. So
92. Where
18. Do
43. Little
68. Some
93. Which
19. Down
44. Long
69. Than
94. Who
20. Each
45. Made
70. That
95. Will
21. Find
46. Make
71. The
96. With
22. First
47. Many
72. Their
97. Words
23. For
48. May
73. Them
98. Would
24. From
49. More
74. Then
99. Yes
25. Had
50. Most
75. There
100. You
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
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23
Most
OFTEN USED WORDS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
A
After
Again
Air
All
Along
Also
Always
An
And
Another
Any
Are
Around
As
Asked
At
Awake
Await
Back
Be
Because
Been
Below
Big
Both
But
Buy
By
Called
Came
Can
Children
Come
Could
Day
Did
Different
Do
Does
Don’t
Door
Down
Each
Even
Every
Few
Find
First
Food
51. For
52. Form
53. Found
54. From
55. Get
56. Give
57. Go
58. Going
59. Good
60. Great
61. Had
62. Has
63. Have
64. He
65. Help
66. Her
67. Here
68. Him
69. His
70. Home
71. House
72. How
73. If
74. Important
75. In
76. Into
77. Is
78. Isn’t
79. It
80. Its
81. Just
82. Keep
83. Know
84. Large
85. Last
86. Left
87. Like
88. Line
89. Little
90. Look
91. Love
92. Made
93. Make
94. Man
95. Many
96. May
97. Me
98. Men
99. Might
100. More
101.
102.
103.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
113.
114.
115.
116.
117.
118.
119.
120.
121.
122.
123.
124.
125.
126.
127.
128.
129.
130.
131.
132.
133.
134.
135.
136.
137.
138.
139.
140.
141.
142.
143.
144.
145.
146.
147.
148.
149.
150.
Most
Much
Must
My
Name
Never
New
Next
No
Not
Now
Number
Of
Off
Often
Old
On
One
Only
Or
Other
Our
Out
Over
Own
Part
People
Place
Put
Read
Right
Said
Same
Saw
Say
School
See
Set
She
Should
Show
Small
So
Some
Something
Sound
Still
Such
Take
Tell
© Stevan Krajnjan
151.
152.
153.
154.
155.
156.
157.
158.
159.
160.
161.
162.
163.
164.
165.
166.
167.
168.
169.
170.
171.
172.
173.
174.
175.
176.
177.
178.
179.
180.
181.
182.
183.
184.
185.
186.
187.
188.
189.
190.
191.
192.
193.
194.
195.
196.
197.
198.
199.
200.
Than
That
The
Their
Them
Then
There
These
They
Think
T his
Those
Thought
Three
Through
Time
To
Together
Too
Two
Under
Until
Up
Us
Use
Very
Want
Was
Water
Way
We
Well
Went
Were
What
When
Where
Which
While
Who
Why
Will
With
Words
Work
World
Would
Write
Yes
You
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
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24
Most
OFTEN USED WORDS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
A
Able
Above
Add
After
Again
Against
Ago
Air
All
Almost
Along
Also
Always
An
And
Animal
Another
Answer
Any
Are
Around
As
Asked
At
Away
Back
Be
Because
Become
Been
Before
Began
Behind
Being
Below
Better
Between
Big
Black
Body
Book
Both
Boy
Brought
But
Buy
By
Called
Came
Can
Cannot
Car
Change
Children
City
Close
Cold
Come
Could
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.
102.
103.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
113.
114.
115.
116.
117.
118.
119.
120.
Cut
Day
Did
Didn’t
Different
Do
Does
Dog
Done
Don’t
Door
Down
Draw
Each
Early
Earth
Eat
End
Enough
Even
Ever
Every
Family
Far
Father
Feet
Few
Find
First
Five
Food
For
Found
Four
From
Front
Gave
Get
Give
Go
Going
Good
Got
Great
Grow
Had
Half
Hand
Hard
Has
Have
He
Head
Hear
Heard
Help
Her
Here
High
Him
121.
122.
123.
124.
125.
126.
127.
128.
129.
130.
131.
132.
133.
134.
135.
136.
137.
138.
139.
140.
141.
142.
143.
144.
145.
146.
147.
148.
149.
150.
151.
152.
153.
154.
155.
156.
157.
158.
159.
160.
161.
162.
163.
164.
165.
166.
167.
168.
169.
170.
171.
172.
173.
174.
175.
176.
177.
178.
179.
180.
His
Home
House
How
I’m
If
In
Inside
Into
Is
Isn’t
Its
It’s
I’ll
Just
Keep
Kind
Knew
Know
Large
Last
Later
Learn
Learned
Left
Less
Let
Letter
Life
Light
Like
Little
Live
Lived
Look
Love
Made
Make
Man
Many
May
Me
Men
Might
Money
More
Most
Mother
Move
Much
Must
My
Name
Need
Never
New
Next
No
Not
Nothing
© Stevan Krajnjan
181.
182.
183.
184.
185.
186.
187.
188.
189.
190.
191.
192.
193.
194.
195.
196.
197.
198.
199.
200.
201.
202.
203.
204.
205.
206.
207.
208.
209.
210.
211.
212.
213.
214.
215.
216.
217.
218.
219.
220.
221.
222.
223.
224.
225.
226.
227.
228.
229.
230.
231.
232.
233.
234.
235.
236.
237.
238.
239.
240.
Now
Of
Off
On
One
Only
Open
Or
Other
Our
Out
Over
Own
Page
People
Picture
Play
Place
Point
Put
Read
Really
Remember
Right
Room
Run
Said
Same
Saw
Say
School
See
Seen
Sentence
She
Short
Should
Side
Since
Small
Snow
So
Some
Something
Soon
Still
Story
Study
Such
Sun
Sure
Table
Take
Tell
Than
That
The
Their
Them
Then
241.
242.
243.
244.
245.
246.
247.
248.
249.
250.
251.
252.
253.
254.
255.
256.
257.
258.
259.
260.
261.
262.
263.
264.
265.
266.
267.
268.
269.
270.
271.
272.
273.
274.
275.
276.
277.
278.
279.
280.
281.
282.
283.
284.
285.
286.
287.
288.
289.
290.
291.
292.
293.
294.
295.
296.
297.
298.
299.
300.
There
These
They
Thing
Think
This
Those
Though
Time
To
Today
Together
Told
Too
Took
Top
Toward
Tree
True
Try
Turn
Two
Under
Until
Up
Us
Use
Usually
Very
Want
Was
Water
Way
We
Well
Went
Were
What
When
Where
Which
While
White
Who
Whole
Why
Will
Wind
With
Without
Words
Work
World
Would
Write
Year
Yet
Yes
You
Young
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
25
Contractions are created by “squeezing” or “shortening” two words into one. When this happens, one or more letters are
removed and replaced by an apostrophe. Use contractions in informal writing.
Contraction
Derived from
Contraction
Derived from
doesn’t
does not
she’s
she is; she has
don’t
do not
shouldn’t
should not
hadn’t
had not
that’s
that is
hasn’t
has not
they’d
they would, they had
haven’t
have not
they’ll
they will
he’d
he would; he had
they’re
they are
here’s
here is
they’ve
they have
I’ll
I will
you’d
you would, you had
I’m
I am
you’ll
you will
I’ve
I have
you’re
you are
isn’t
is not
you’ve
you have
it’ll
it will
we’d
we would, we had
it’s
it is; it has
we’ve
we have
let’s
let us
where’s
where is
mustn’t
must not
who’s
who is
o’clock
Of the clock
wouldn’t
would not
she’d
she would, she had
won’t
will not
© Stevan Krajnjan
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26
QUOTATION MARK
Quotation marks are most commonly used to enclose speaker’s exact words, and to set apart words that are discussed.
EXAMPLE: a) Our teacher then asked, “Would you like to go outside today?” (direct quotation)
b) The word “thunderstorm” often brings fear among the very young in our group.
COLON
A colon introduces a list, a direct quotation, and the end portion of a sentence that is an explanation. It is used after an
introductory classification, after the salutation in a formal letter and between numbers in time.
EXAMPLE: a) The following items were bought at the pharmacy: pop, newspaper, and a bottle of hair shampoo. b) I
learned the following: I was too old and run down to compete. c) He immediately replied by saying: “I am completely
innocent.” d) Her actions made me think of one thing: revenge! e) Dear Lucas: e) Being out in the sun made me think
of only one thing: water! f) 3:30 PM
APOSTROPHE
An apostrophe is used to show ownership (possessives—singular and plural), period of time and a sum of money. It also
acts as a place holder for a missing letter. In addition, it is used to construct a contraction.
EXAMPLE: a) Laura’s tennis racquet b) today’s proverb d) three dollar’s worth of sunflower seeds
b) anyone’s guess e) don’t, can’t
SEMICOLON
A semicolon is used to expand or lengthen an original thought and separate clauses in a written sentence.
EXAMPLE: a) My latest attempt to cross the ocean failed; it was a total disaster indeed!
b) The excitement was steadily building; I began to run as I kept my eyes on the road.
PERIOD, EXCLAMATION, QUESTION MARK
All correctly written sentences end with either a period, exclamation mark or a question mark. A period is used at the end
of a normal sentence. It is similarly written at the end of abbreviations, initials and as a decimal point. Use an exclamation
mark to mark the end of sentences in which the writer is attempting to express strong feelings. A question mark is used
after a direct question and to indicate doubt about the accuracy of something.
COMMA
A comma is used to separate a series of phrases, clauses and words in a sentence; in dates; addresses, to set off interruptions/
expressions and interjections, direct address of one person by another and also in writing of letters.
EXAMPLE: a) In his bag we found the racquets, the tape, and a can of tennis balls. b) January 1, 2001.
c) 134 Sunset Drive, New Village, Australia d) I was excited, nevertheless, I tried not to show emotion. e) Laura, come
here! f) Dear Paul,
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
27
OFTEN USED
Prefix
Meaning
Example
Prefix
Meaning
a
not
aseptic, asymmetrical
mid
half
midway, middle
ab
away from
abnormal, absent
mini
very small
miniskirt
anti
against
antibiotic, antifreeze
mis
wrong
misspell, misunderstand
auto
self, alone
automatic, automobile
mono
one, single
monotheistic, monologue
bene
good
beneficial, benefit
multi
many
multinational
bi
two, double
bicycle, bicentennial
non
not
nonconformist, nonentity
bio
life
biology, biosphere
over
too much
overrun
cent
hundred
century, centurion
pan
all
pan-American
centi
hundredth
centimeter
para
beside, guard
parallel, parachute
circum
around
circumference
penta
five
pentagon
co
with, together
cooperate
per
throughout
perfect, pervade
com
with
compassion, combine
poly
many
polygon
con
with
connect
port
carry
portage
contra
against
contradict
post
after
postpone, postgraduate
deci
tenth
decimeter
pre
before
prepare, predict
deca
ten
decagon
pro
forward, supporting
progress, propel, profess
dia
through
diagonal, diameter
quad
four
quadrilateral
dis
apart
dislocate, dismantle
re
again, back
reconsider
eco
earth
ecology, ecosystem
semi
half, partly
semidetached semiprivate
equi
equal
equilateral, equilibrium
sub
below, under
submarine, submerge
ex
former
ex-wife, ex-president
super
above
superman, supernatural
hemi
half
hemisphere
tele
far
telephone, television
hyper
above, over
hyperactive
trans
across, over
transport, transplant
il/im
not
incorrect, irresistible
tri
three
triangle, tricycle
in/ir
not
incorrect, irresistible
ultra
beyond
ultrasound, ultra light
inter
between, among
interstate, international
un
not, uncertain
uneducated, unbearable
magni
great, large
magnify, magnificent
under
below
underused
mega
great
mega city, megaphone
uni
one
universal, unicycle
micro
small
microscope
© Stevan Krajnjan
Example
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
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28
OFTEN USED
ACTIVITY
Use a dictionary to find an example of a word that contains the listed prefixes.
Prefix
Meaning
a
Example
Prefix
Meaning
not
mid
half
ab
away from
mini
very small
anti
against
mis
wrong
auto
self, alone
mono
one, single
bene
good
multi
many
bi
two, double
non
not
bio
life
over
too much
cent
hundred
pan
all
centi
hundredth
para
beside, guard
circum
around
penta
five
co
with, together
per
throughout
com
with
poly
many
con
with
port
carry
contra
against
post
after
deci
tenth
pre
before
deca
ten
pro
forward, supporting
dia
through
quad
four
dis
apart
re
again, back
eco
earth
semi
half, partly
equi
equal
sub
below, under
ex
former
super
above
hemi
half
tele
far
hyper
above, over
trans
across, over
il/im
not
tri
three
in/ir
not
ultra
beyond
inter
between, among
un
not, uncertain
magni
great, large
under
below
mega
great
uni
one
micro
small
© Stevan Krajnjan
Example
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
29
OFTEN USED
- able
available
believable
miserable
- ance
observance
observance
instance
reluctantant
protestant
silent
- ary
infirmary
honorary
imaginary
- ent
judgment
dependent
confident
- ible
digestible
flexible
sensible
- ence
indulgence
independence
silence
- ery
slavery
pottery
lottery
- ory
observatory
laboratory
sensory
- dom
freedom
kingdom
wisdom
- er
lecturer
manager
teacher
- ian
comedian
electrician
politician
- ment
attachment
disappointment
equipment
- ness
politeness
happiness
loneliness
- or
creator
adjudicator
spectator
- ture
fixture
mixture
signature
- ure
brochure
denture
moisture
- ation
aviation
transportation
reservation
- ion
communion
complexion
opinion
- ition
intuition
competition
repetition
- sion
abrasion
discussion
television
- tion
election
production
education
- ious
furious
mysterious
rebellious
- ous
furious
joyous
nervous
- ise
expertise
exercise
- ize
summarize
memorize
- less
faithless
careless
© Stevan Krajnjan
- ant
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
30
Adjective
Word that modifies, and describes a noun.
Example: The old woman held in her hand a red scarf.
Adverb
Word that describes another adverb, verb or adjective. An adverb tells how, why, when, where and in what
manner an action takes place. Many adverbs end in –ly. Words such as very, not and always are also adverbs.
Example: (The boy ran continuously as his friend patiently followed along on his bike. He always
arrives to class late.)
Conjunction
Word that joins, connects or links other words. Two types of conjunctions should be noted.
Coordinating Conjunction: - connects sentence parts equal in rank, single words, clauses and phrases (and, but,
yet, or, nor, for, so, both, not only, either and neither are very common and easily recognizable conjunctions)
Example: (Play now but after supper you will need to continue with your studies.)
Subordinating Conjunction: - joins two clauses, to make a more complex sentence. The joining word is the one
that expresses a relationship between two ideas that are not equal in rank. Some examples are: after, although, as
if, as long as, as soon as, because, before, even though, if, once, since, until, that, where, when, while, etc.
Example: We played tennis until the night lights were turned off.
Noun
Word that names a person, place or a thing.
Proper Noun: a word that names specific people, places and things and is capitalized.
Example: (Leah, Brampton, Monday, Christmas.)
Common Noun: are the words naming general things - Example: (brother, car, girl, bat, pencil, coin)
Pronoun
Word used in place of a noun (I, you, he, she, it, we and they)
Example: They decided to paint it as soon as we came to help.
Preposition
Word that shows how a noun or pronoun relate to another word (into, at, behind, above, before, near, toward,
under, and beside) They often indicate position.
Example: He threw his racquet at the fence.
Verb
Word that shows action or state of being. Example: He ran into the forest because he was scared..
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
31
Individual
ASSESSMENT
“ At a Glance “
Class: _________________
Student Name
Date
© Stevan Krajnjan
Area of Need
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
32
Name: _______________________
Mark = ______ =
Things Evaluated
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
%=
8
9
10
Interesting & effective introduction, relates to the main idea
Wrote using paragraph style
Command of spelling, punctuation and grammar conventions
Depth of thought
Logical sequencing of ideas
Stays on topic, doesn’t wander
Ability to communicate clearly, on purpose
Work makes sense
Effective use of words
Voice
Use of the writing process
Effective and interesting conclusion
Work submitted for evaluation on time
AVERAGE:
Name: _______________________
Mark = ______ =
Things Evaluated
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
%=
8
9
10
Interesting & effective introduction, relates to the main idea
Wrote using paragraph style
Command of spelling, punctuation and grammar conventions
Depth of thought
Logical sequencing of ideas
Stays on topic, doesn’t wander
Ability to communicate clearly, on purpose
Work makes sense
Effective use of words
Voice
Use of the writing process
Effective and interesting conclusion
Work submitted for evaluation on time
AVERAGE:
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
33
Name: _______________________
Mark = ______ =
Things Evaluated
1
2
3
%=
4
Interesting & effective introduction
Wrote using paragraph style
Command of spelling, punctuation and grammar conventions
Depth of thought
Logical sequencing of ideas
Stays on topic, doesn’t wander
Ability to communicate clearly, on purpose
Work makes sense
Effective use of words
Voice
Use of the writing process
Effective and interesting conclusion
Work submitted for evaluation on time
AVERAGE:
Name: _______________________
Mark = ______ =
Things Evaluated
1
2
3
%=
4
Interesting & effective introduction
Wrote using paragraph style
Command of spelling, punctuation and grammar conventions
Depth of thought
Logical sequencing of ideas
Stays on topic, doesn’t wander
Ability to communicate clearly, on purpose
Work makes sense
Effective use of words
Voice
Use of the writing process
Effective and interesting conclusion
Work submitted for evaluation on time
AVERAGE:
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
34
Name: _______________________
Mark = ______ =
Things Evaluated
1
2
3
4
%=
5
Interesting & effective introduction
Wrote using paragraph style
Command of spelling, punctuation and grammar conventions
Depth of thought
Logical sequencing of ideas
Stays on topic, doesn’t wander
Ability to communicate clearly, on purpose
Work makes sense
Effective use of words
Voice
Use of the writing process
Effective and interesting conclusion
Work submitted for evaluation on time
AVERAGE:
Name: _______________________
Mark = ______ =
Things Evaluated
1
2
3
4
%=
5
Interesting & effective introduction
Wrote using paragraph style
Command of spelling, punctuation and grammar conventions
Depth of thought
Logical sequencing of ideas
Stays on topic, doesn’t wander
Ability to communicate clearly, on purpose
Work makes sense
Effective use of words
Voice
Use of the writing process
Effective and interesting conclusion
Work submitted for evaluation on time
AVERAGE:
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
35
Name: _______________________
Mark = ______ =
%=
Name: _______________________
Mark = ______ =
© Stevan Krajnjan
%=
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
36
Name: _______________________
Mark = ______ =
%=
Name: _______________________
Mark = ______ =
© Stevan Krajnjan
%=
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
37
TEACHER
Name:
Assignment:
Mark:
Areas where you could improve:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Teacher:
Date:
=3=See back for additional information.
Name:
Assignment:
Mark:
Areas where you could improve:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Teacher:
Date:
=3=See back for additional information.
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
38
Just a brief note to inform you that __________________________________ has not completed the following homework:
Subject:
Assigned on:
Due on:
Homework:
Teacher:
Date:
Parent Signature:
Homework Not Done !
Just a brief note to inform you that __________________________________ has not completed the following homework:
Subject:
Assigned on:
Due on:
Homework:
Teacher:
Date:
Parent Signature:
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
39
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© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
40
Clarke, G. Spelling Makes Sense.
Belmont California: Simon & Schuster, 1988
Fry, E. The New reading Teacher’s Book of Lists.
New Jersey: Prentice-Hall
Horn, Ernst. A Basic Writing Vocabulary: 10,000 Frequently used
Words in Writing. Iowa City: University of Iowa, 1926.
Moore, G. (1988). Heath Wordfinder: Lexington: D.C. Heath
Thorndike, Edward L., Irvine Lorge. The Teacher’s Word Book of 30,000
Words. New York: Columbia University, 1944.
Font Sources: Corel Draw!, Microsoft Publisher 2000, Soft Key, Expert Software.
Graphics Sources: Microsoft Publisher 2000
For additional and updated timesaving resource materials please visit:
http://www.timesaversforteachers.com
© Stevan Krajnjan
1000 Quick Writing Ideas
www.TimesaversForTeachers.com
41