Before you Begin Writing Tasks
Attention Grabbers
Sizzling Writing Tools
Narrative or Expository?
Writer's Checklist
100
What is an expository writing? What is a narrative writing?
An expository writing is a writing that explains a topic. It provides reasons and details. A narrative writing is a writing that tells a story.
100
What is a hook? What paragraph is it found in?
A hook is an attention grabber that captures your reader's attention and makes him/her want to read more! The hook is found in the introduction.
100
Why is it important to use "sizzling vocabulary" in your writing? Give an example of using the sizzling vocabulary word "stupefied" in a sentence.
It is important to use "sizzling vocabulary" in your writing because you want your paper to sound like a mature fourth grader's paper. We have been learning LOTS of sizzling vocabulary this year, so why not use it??? :) An example of "stupefied" being used in a sentence: "My brother was stupefied when he turned on the lights and heard everyone yell 'Surprise! Happy Birthday!'"
100
Tell whether the following prompt is narrative or expository. Tell what the clue word is. Explain why kids should be given an allowance.
Expository. Clue word is explain.
100
What does it mean to edit a paper?
To edit a paper means to go back over your work and check for correct capitalization, end punctuation, spelling, indentation, etc.
200
What is the keyword for an expository writing? What are the key words for a narrative writing?
The keyword for an expository writing is "explain." The keywords for a narrative writing are "tell a story," "tell about a time when..."
200
Which type of attention grabber is the following example? Vroom! Vroom! A cloud of dust billows up around us. Neighbors stare. So starts our father-son getaway in my dad's restored hot rod. It's a trip I will remember for the rest of my life. Scenario? Opinion? Onomatopoeia? Dialogue? Rhetorical Question?
Onomatopoeia!
200
What is a simile? Give 2 examples of similes.
A simile is when you compare two things using the words "like" or "as" to join them together. Examples: "As hot as an oven." "As big as an elephant" "Laughs like a hyena" "Runs like the wind" "Eats like a horse"
200
Tell whether the following prompt is narrative or expository. Tell the clue word(s). Tell about a time when you did something nice for someone else.
Narrative. Clue words are "tell about a time."
200
Do you have to stay on topic? Why or why not?
YES!!! If you do not write on the topic of the prompt you will receive a 0% and fail Florida Writes! :(
300
What is brainstorming? How long should you spend on brainstorming? Do you have to brainstorm?
Brainstorming is writing down all your thoughts on the given topic on paper. Brainstorming should take about 5 minutes. Yes, you have to brainstorm! :)
300
Which type of attention grabber is the following example? "Jody, get these clothes picked up or you're not going anywhere," my mother screams. It's time for the dreaded chore: cleaning my room. Scenario? Opinion? Onomatopoeia? Dialogue? Rhetorical Question?
Dialogue!
300
What is a metaphor? What is an idiom?
A metaphor is a comparison between two unlikely things in order to make a point. An idiom is a colorful expression used to make a point. Many metaphors are also idioms. Many idioms are also metaphors.
300
Tell whether the following prompt is narrative or expository. In your opinion, what circus animal would make the best pet?
Expository.
300
What does "show, don't tell" mean? Give an example of "show, don't tell" of a person getting angry.
"Show, don't tell" means that a writer uses adjectives to describe what is happening. A writer creates a mind movie for the reader. An example of "show, don't tell" of a person getting angry would be "my face turned beet red, steam was coming out of my ears, and my fists were clenched tightly as I paced rapidly back and forth"
400
Restate the following prompt in your own words: Everyone has favorite things he or she likes to do on the weekend. Think of some things you like to do. Now explain what you like to do on the weekend.
Topic: Things I like to do on the weekend.
400
Which type of attention grabber is the following example? Have you ever been so scared that you almost jumped out of your skin? Scenario? Opinion? Onomatopoeia? Dialogue? Rhetorical Question? What type of writing skill is "jumped out of your skin?"
Rhetorical Question! An idiom.
400
Give 3 examples of metaphors/idioms.
Possible examples: "My eyes were bigger than my stomach." "I'm in a pickle." "There's a frog in my throat." "I'm on top of the world." "Butterflies in your stomach." "Dying to meet you."
400
Tell whether the following prompt is narrative or expository. What is your favorite restaurant and why is it your favorite?
Expository.
400
How many paragraphs should your writing have?
Your writing should have 5 paragraphs: an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
500
Explain the steps to "Doctoring a Prompt." (Hint: There are seven steps!)
First step: Change every "you" to "I." Second step: Read the prompt twice. Third step: Identify if it's narrative or expository. Fourth step: Restate the prompt: change questions to statements. Fifth step: Brainstorm. Sixth step: Write!!! Seventh Step: Read and proofread.
500
What type of attention grabber is used in the following example? Picture this: Your two-year-old sister pours spaghetti in her hair. She draws on the bathroom wall with a permanent marker and eats dog food when your back is turned. Now imagine your mom complaining, "Were you watching your sister, or not?" Baby-sitting is not an easy job, let me tell you. Scenario? Opinion? Onomatopoeia? Dialogue? Rhetorical Question?
Scenario!
500
What is a transition? Give 3 examples of transitional phrases.
A transition is a phrase or sentence that takes you smoothly from place to place. Examples of transitional phrases: "After all," "From that day forward," "Here's another reason why..." "For example," "To begin with," "You won't believe what happened next!"
500
Tell whether the following prompts are narrative or expository. You find an unusual book in a trunk of your grandmother's attic. It is a story book for kids. When you open the pages, the characters in the pictures come alive and invite you into the story. What happens next? Convince us that kids should not have to go to school in the summer.
Narrative. Expository.
500
What MUST you have in the introduction? What MUST you have in the body paragraphs? What MUST you have in the conclusion?
You MUST have a hook/attention grabber in the introduction. You MUST have DETAILS in the body paragraphs. (REASONS and DETAILS for an expository writing) You MUST have a take-away ending in the conclusion.
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