Resources
Filter by Grade Level
- Grade 1 (3) Apply Grade 1 filter
- Grade 2 (1) Apply Grade 2 filter
- Grade 3 (1) Apply Grade 3 filter
- Grade 5 (4) Apply Grade 5 filter
- Grade 8 (2) Apply Grade 8 filter
- Grade 9 (1) Apply Grade 9 filter
- Grade 10 (1) Apply Grade 10 filter
- Grade 11 (1) Apply Grade 11 filter
- Grade 12 (5) Apply Grade 12 filter
Filter by Resource Type
Search results
Student Writing Model
My Favorite Pet
Adam, the first-grade writer of this model, uses his senses to describe his cat—fluffy, soft, fat. Readers can “see” and “feel” Buzz.
Student Writing Model
How Much I Know About Space
Ryan tells what he learned on a visit to a space center.
Student Writing Model
Sweet Spring
This writing has delightful details and a clear voice.
Student Writing Model
If I Were President
Austin, the second-grade writer of this expository paragraph, introduces his subject—how to be a good president—in an interesting way.
Student Writing Model
How to Make Boiled Eggs
This model of “How-To” writing is based on a model submitted by Dagmary. She has decided to list the steps in her recipe instead of putting them in paragraph form.
Student Writing Model
Rules
This model is based on an essay submitted by fourth-grader Isabel. In the second paragraph, Isabel adds interest and humor to her writing by including her personal comments in parentheses.
Student Writing Model
My Mother
Fourth-grader Abigail wrote an essay that describes how great her mother is. She includes both serious and fun reasons!
Student Writing Model
My Favorite Place to Go
This model is based on an essay submitted by fourth-grader Mia. She uses some vivid verbs and sensory details—“devour juicy caramel-covered apples,” “crisp fall breeze,” “soft spring trickles of rain splashing the sidewalks,” “warm summer sun”—to help the reader experience her favorite place.
Student Writing Model
Shadow Fort
This model is based on an essay submitted by fourth-grader Amy. She explains her favorite place by telling (1) how she built the fort and (2) a special time she spent there with a hurt friend.
Student Writing Model
Friendship
Five paragraphs in the body of this essay—one for each of the senses—provide a clear organization pattern that is easy for the reader to understand. Note that each of the five paragraphs begins with a sentence that repeats the same, simple pattern. This repetition of a sentence pattern provides unity. The use of an extended metaphor—comparing friendship to the making and baking of bread—works quite well and shows that Nate, the sixth grade writer of this essay, is willing to take creative risks.
Student Writing Model
What Really Matters
In this feature article, eighth grader Irené informs the reader about spina bifida as she highlights the achievements of a classmate who has the condition. Quotations from the classmate add a personal side to the writing.
Student Writing Model
From Bed Bound to Breaking Boards
In this profile of a person, tenth-grade writer Rachel remains focused on an affliction that affects, but never defines, her subject's young life. Rachel engages her readers with direct quotations and plenty of interesting details.
Student Writing Model
Student Entrepreneur Reaches for Dreams of the Sky
Tenth-grade writer Julie develops her report with plenty of information and quotations from her subject, T. McDowell. Readers get a clear picture of McDowell’s determined business sense as well as his dreams for the future.
Student Writing Model
Save the Elephants
This essay opens with a brief explanation of a case in which a herd of elephants is spared from death, but then goes on to explain how that is not typical—that, in fact, elephants are headed toward extinction. Michelle, the author, clearly establishes the main causes and effects of the problem before suggesting possible solutions.
Student Writing Model
If Only They Knew
The author of this essay shares a personal struggle against the backdrops of two different schools and the friends at each school. The strong conclusion neatly sums up the lessons she learned from dealing with her illness and offers a positive ending.
Student Writing Model
Caught in the Net
Kim’s essay uses narration and definition to focus on Internet addiction. This essay predates Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Skype, and smart phones. How has our definition of Internet addiction changed?