Monday, November 17, 2008

7th - 8th Writing, November 14

Half the students were participating in a speech/debate tournament, so we did not go on to a new lesson. Instead, we read aloud and critiqued their most recent essays.

The students have learned the format of the five-paragraph compare/contrast essay fairly well. In general, their writing is technically correct and their points are clearly stated. I am pleased with that.

My next step is to help the students tighten up their compositions. Their writing would be more effective were it leaner and stronger. To that end, I am encouraging the class to choose active verbs and to omit unnecessary words. We want more muscle and less flab.

Assignment:
Students will write another compare or contrast essay, their choice. They are to edit aggressively, choosing active verbs and omitting unnecessary words.

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