My SOL
Writing
Notebook
Building an SOL
Writing Notebook
Before You Start
You will need a composition notebook. For 6th and 7th
grade, any number of pages will do. For 8th -11th grade, you
will need a 100 page, college-ruled book.
100 Sheets
College Ruled
Step by Step Instructions
Front Cover
On the outside cover, write your first and last name in Sharpie.
Sara Smith
SOL Writing
Inside Cover
Glue or tape the POWER template to the inside cover and the essay template
to the right-hand page. Number the left side with 1 and the right side with 2.
Label as shown.
POWER
1
Essay Template
2
Pages 3 and 4
Glue or tape the 4-Square template to the left-hand page and the transition
words handout to the right-hand page. Number the left side with 3 and the
right side with 4. Label as shown.
4-Square
3
Transitions
4
Prompt Model Pages
This page will serve as a model for all of your other prompt practice pages. You will
glue or tape Prompt #1 in the upper margin of the left-hand page. Label the left
and right pages as shown.
Prompt Practice Left Side
Restate:
Thesis:
5
Right Side Possibilities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
2-3 body paragraph ideas:
6.
•
•
Follow this format for every
prompt.
6
Complete a planning template for the
prompt.
Practice a body paragraph using POWER
or 2nd POWER format.
Practice writing an introduction (Hook,
Bridge, Thesis)
Practice writing a conclusion (Revisit,
Importance, Clincher/Call to Action.
Complete a RAFT
ROLE
AUDIENCE
FORMAT
PURPOSE
Draw a picture to help you better
understand the prompt.
This side is teacher/student directed
May not be required to complete for
every prompt.
Prompt Practice Pages
Depending on your grade, the next 20-50 pages will be prompts to tape or glue into
your book. You should place one NUMBERED prompt on the upper margin of
the left-hand page. Please make sure you or your teacher has numbered the prompts
so you can easily reference them for feedback, help, classwork, or discussion.
2
Center Point Pages
Find the center point of your book. There should be a natural opening to it.
Make it stand out. You could glue or tape a piece of construction paper or
colored paper to it. Label it as shown.
Grammar, Usage,
Mechanics,
Spelling,
and Multiple
Choice Practice
Inside Back Cover
You will need to TAPE any Writer’s Checklists your teacher gives you to the inside
back page. Tape only where the blue line is IF your page has a back to it. You will
need to neatly fold your paper where the red line is so it will be contained within the
notebook.
YOU FINISHED!